A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Railay Beach for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Perth or Railay Beach?

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 Railay Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a friendly, relaxed, and easy-going city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Perth travel costs.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a fun-filled, adventurous, and dramatic beach area. Many visitors also come to Railay Beach because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food. See Railay Beach travel costs.

Perth and Railay Beach: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Perth or Railay Beach?

Both Railay Beach and Perth have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Perth is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, and shopping, while Railay Beach is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Railay Beach is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach?

Perth
Railay Beach

Perth is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Railay Beach. This is an adventure sport destination that is popular for rock climbing and its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are no real museums or temples in the area.


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

Perth
Railay Beach

Both Perth and Railay Beach offer good 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 Railay Beach. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.

Is Perth or Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

Perth
Railay Beach

The vibe at night is good in both Perth and Railay Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Perth has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Railay Beach. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.

Is Perth or Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

Perth
Railay Beach

Railay Beach is great for its luxury resorts. However, Perth is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Railay Beach. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Perth is not a resort destination.


Is Perth or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Perth
Railay Beach

Railay Beach is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Railay Beach. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Perth or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

Perth
Railay Beach

Perth is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Railay Beach. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Railay Beach?

Perth
Railay Beach

Perth is very good for shopping. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its shopping opportunities.

Perth is a great destination for shopping. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Railay Beach has some nice offerings. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.


Is Perth or Railay Beach More Beautiful?

Perth
Railay Beach

Railay Beach is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Railay Beach because of it's amazing beauty. The dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches make this a stunning place to visit.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Perth or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Perth
Railay Beach

Perth is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Perth is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Railay Beach is a family-friendly city. This is a favorite beach area for many visitors to Thailand. It's only accessible by water and it offers adventure sports and calm waters that are nice for kids.

Is Perth or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

Perth
Railay Beach

Railay Beach is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Railay Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.


Is Perth or Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Perth
Railay Beach

Railay Beach is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Railay Beach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of affordable accommodation that attracts budget travelers and backpackers. The area's world class rock climbing also appeals to the young and adventurous crowd.

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.

Is Perth or Railay Beach Better for Students?

Perth
Railay Beach

Perth is very good for students. However, Railay Beach is not popular with students.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Railay Beach is not popular with students.

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

Perth
Railay Beach

Perth is very good for its public transit. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for times when you don't have a car.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.


Is Perth or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Perth
Railay Beach

Railay Beach is very popular for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Railay Beach is a very easy beach area to get around on foot. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Perth?

How long in Perth or Railay Beach?

It's fun to spend time in either Perth or Railay Beach. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Railay Beach than Perth 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 Railay Beach.


  • How many days in Perth or Railay Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Perth 2-4 
    Railay Beach 2-4

One day in Perth or Railay Beach?

In Perth, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this sunny city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Railay Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this adventurous destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach area 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 Railay Beach?

Perth is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Railay Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Railay Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sunny destination of Perth. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Railay Beach is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Railay Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Railay Beach?

Perth is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventurous destination of Railay Beach. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach or Perth?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Perth is $158, while the average daily cost in Railay Beach is $139. 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 Railay Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Perth $75
    Railay Beach $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Perth $150
    Railay Beach $146
Compare Hotels in Perth and Railay Beach

Looking for a hotel in Perth or Railay Beach? 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 Railay Beach


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Perth $25
    Railay Beach $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

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

  • PER Airport to Perth City Centre Private Transfer: $34
  • Perth Departure Transfer by Private Chauffeur: Perth City Center to Airport: $50
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $61
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $74
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $74
  • Private Transfer from Perth Airport(PER) to Fremantle Cruise Port: $75
  • Departure Transfer: Perth to Perth Airport PER by Business Car: $79
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $165
  • Perth Airport (PER) to Perth city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $221
  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth, breakfast: $282

Is it cheaper to fly into Perth or Railay Beach?

Prices for flights to both Railay Beach 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 $62
    Railay Beach $43

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
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise: $99
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise: $101
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $122
  • Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Dinner Experience Small Group Tour: $124
  • Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $148
  • Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour: $167
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $176

Typical Food Prices in Railay Beach

Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.28
  • Pizza
    $5.34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Perth $14
    Railay Beach $26

Tours and Activities in Perth

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

  • Perth Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.72
  • Perth Historic Downtown Smartphone Guided GPS Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Perth Bell Tower Entry Ticket and Bell Chiming Experience: $12
  • Quest Experience in Cottesloe Beach Perth Pirates by the Sea : $12
  • CBD Boom and Bust walking tour: $16
  • The Perth Mint Gold Tour: $17
  • Scitech Discovery Centre All Day Entry Ticket: $17
  • The Premium Anzac Bell Tour at the Bell Tower: $21
  • True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Fremantle's True Crime Tour: $23
  • Optus Stadium Guided Tour: $23
  • The ANZAC Bell Tour: $24

Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Rock Climbing (for Two)
    $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Perth $7.47
    Railay Beach $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $63
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $69
  • Swan Valley Wine Tour - Half Day Afternoon: $70
  • Swan Valley Half-Day Wine Tour - Small Group Experience: $70
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $70
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $78
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $82
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $98
  • Swan Valley Wine Tour - Full Day: $100
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $109
  • From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $109
  • Swan Valley Boutique Wine Tour: $115

Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.88


When comparing the travel costs between Perth and Railay Beach, we can see that Perth is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Perth is in Pacific and Railay Beach is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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



When is the best time to visit Perth or Railay Beach?

Perth has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Railay Beach experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Railay Beach in the Summer?

Both Railay Beach and Perth during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Perth because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.

Perth is cooler than Railay Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

In Railay Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Perth. In the summer, Perth often gets more sunshine than Railay Beachin July. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 206 hours of full sun.

Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Perth usually gets less rain in January than Railay Beachin July. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Perth 25°C (76°F) 
    Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Perth or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Railay Beach. The shopping scene are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Perth is cooler than Railay Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Perth in April average around 19°C (67°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Railay Beach during autumn. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Railay Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Perth usually receives less rain than Railay Beachin October. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Perth 19°C (67°F) 
    Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Perth or Railay Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Perth as well as Railay Beach. Many travelers come to Perth for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.

In July, Perth is generally much colder than Railay Beachin January. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 13°C (55°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In the winter, Perth often gets less sunshine than Railay Beachin January. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun.

Perth receives a lot of rain in the winter. Perth usually gets more rain in July than Railay Beachin January. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Perth 13°C (55°F) 
    Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Perth or Railay Beach in the Spring?

Both Railay Beach and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Perth in the spring for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Perth is much colder than Railay Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Railay Beach during spring. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In October, Perth usually receives less rain than Railay Beachin April. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Perth 17°C (62°F) 
    Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Perth

Perth Railay Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)