A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Pittsburgh for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Perth or Pittsburgh?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Pittsburgh can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a relaxed, easy-going, and isolated city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a industrial, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Perth and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Perth or Pittsburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pittsburgh than Perth. While Perth is larger than Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pittsburgh is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Perth is more popular for its beaches. Perth is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. Pittsburgh is well known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". Also, Pittsburgh is famous for Mount Washington.

How is Perth different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pittsburgh and Perth. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Perth or Pittsburgh?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Perth or Pittsburgh.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pittsburgh can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.


Is the Food Better in Perth or Pittsburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Both Perth and Pittsburgh offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pittsburgh. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Perth or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is great for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Pittsburgh for the nightlife scene. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Perth or Pittsburgh Better for Beaches?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Perth is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Perth are among the best in the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Pittsburgh?

Perth
Pittsburgh

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Pittsburgh both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Perth. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Pittsburgh offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Perth or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Perth is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Perth. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Perth or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Perth is a nice place to visit for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Perth is a good city for couples to visit. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.


Is Perth or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Perth is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Perth or Pittsburgh Better for Students?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Perth is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

Is Perth or Pittsburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Perth and Pittsburgh both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.


Is Perth or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Perth
Pittsburgh

Perth and Pittsburgh are notable when it comes to walkability.

Perth is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Perth?

How long in Perth or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Perth and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Perth than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

Families should spend more time in Perth than Pittsburgh. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Perth, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Perth than Pittsburgh. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Perth that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Perth than Pittsburgh if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Perth.


  • How many days in Perth or Pittsburgh? Ideal Length of Stay
    Perth 2-4 
    Pittsburgh 2-3

One day in Perth or Pittsburgh?

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Perth, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Pittsburgh, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Perth or Pittsburgh?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Perth, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pittsburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Perth or Pittsburgh?

Perth, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Pittsburgh is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pittsburgh. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Pittsburgh?

Perth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the industrial destination of Pittsburgh. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Pittsburgh or Perth?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Perth is $133, while the average daily cost in Pittsburgh is $181. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Perth and Pittsburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Perth $76
    Pittsburgh $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Perth $152
    Pittsburgh $212
Compare Hotels in Perth and Pittsburgh

Looking for a hotel in Perth or Pittsburgh? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Perth


Hotels in Pittsburgh


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Perth Hotel Prices and Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Perth $25
    Pittsburgh $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

Also for Perth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth : $261
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $221
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $165
  • Departure Private Transfer: Perth City to Perth Airport PER in Luxury Van: $103
  • Departure Private Transfer: Perth City to Perth Airport PER in Business Car: $77
  • Perth Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Perth city: $67
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $59
  • Perth Departure Transfer by Private Chauffeur: Perth City Center to Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $33
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Perth City Hotels to Fremantle Cruise Port : $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pittsburgh

Also for Pittsburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $97
  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Perth or Pittsburgh?

Prices for flights to both Pittsburgh and Perth change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Perth $36
    Pittsburgh $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Perth

For Perth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $69
  • Half-Day Low and Slow BBQ Food Tour in Perth: $79
  • American BBQ Food Tour: $79
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise with Beverages: $112
  • Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise: $114
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $116
  • Pinnacles Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Experience a Small Group Tour: $117
  • Pinnacle Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $142
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $160

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh

For Pittsburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70
  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Perth $14
    Pittsburgh $38

Tours and Activities in Perth

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Perth.

  • 1 Day Margaret River Sightseeing Tour from Perth: $132
  • 1/2 day Swan Valley Wine Cheese & Chocolate Tour Inc Afternoon Cruise to Perth: $87
  • 2 Hours Whale Watching Tour in Fremantle: $50
  • 2 hour whale watching experience departing Hillarys Boat Harbour: $50
  • Adventure Rottnest Tour with Ferry & Adventure Cruise: $102
  • Best of Fremantle 2-Hour Walking Tour: $30
  • Bickley Valley Wine & Cider Tour - Premium Small Group Tour: $134
  • Boom-and-Bust: self-guided historical walking tour of Perth: $17
  • City Tour Perth & Fremantle & Swan River: $126
  • Cliffs and Caves Kayak Tour in Swan River: $60
  • Coffee, Culture, and Art Tour of Perth: $33
  • Design Your Own Tour Experience: $268

Tours and Activities in Pittsburgh

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pittsburgh.

  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33
  • Bike the Burgh Tour: $50
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $33
  • Discover Oakland Tour: $33
  • Eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.22
  • Entrance Ticket to AT BLAQK House Collections: $7.00
  • Essential Pittsburgh Experience - The One Tour to Take: $75
  • HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass: $40
  • JUST THE TOUR - Double Decker bus sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh.: $35
  • New! Art & Artists Tour: $33
  • New! Bikes & Brews Tour: $75
  • Pittsburg 101 Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Perth $7.54
    Pittsburgh $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Little Creatures Brewery Tours : $17
  • Half Day Swan Valley Wine Tour: $63
  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $63
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $63
  • Swan Valley Boutique Wine Tour: Half-Day Small Group Experience: $64
  • Mandoon Winery and Kayak Tour with wine tasting: $64
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $66
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $69
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $76
  • Small-Group Gin Distillery Tour in Perth: $90
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $92
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $109

Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pittsburgh:

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • New! Bites & Brews: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $50
  • Bike and Brewery Tour: $69
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Pittsburgh, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Perth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Perth is in Pacific and Pittsburgh is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Perth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Perth and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh than you might in Perth.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Perth Expensive? and Is Pittsburgh Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Perth or Pittsburgh?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Pittsburgh, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.