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

Should you visit Perth or Sado?

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 Sado can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a sunny, friendly, and relaxed city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Perth travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Sado travel costs.

Perth and Sado: 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
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Perth or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Perth. Although Perth and Sado are both popular with visitors, Perth has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Perth is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Sado is known for its food and hiking. Perth is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. It is also home to the Swan Bell Tower. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Perth different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Perth
Sado

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Perth or Sado.

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 Sado can be an interesting and educational experience. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.


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

Perth
Sado

Sado is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sado. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Perth or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Perth
Sado

Perth is a popular place for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Perth or Sado Better for Beaches?

Perth
Sado

Perth is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Sado is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Perth. 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.

Sado is not a beach destination.


Is Perth or Sado Better for Hiking?

Perth
Sado

Sado is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sado for the hiking trails. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Sado?

Perth
Sado

Perth is a popular place for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Perth or Sado Better for Families?

Perth
Sado

Perth is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Sado is a family-friendly city. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.


Is Perth or Sado Better for Couples?

Perth
Sado

Both Perth and Sado are good destinations to visit as a couple.

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

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Perth or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Perth
Sado

For backpackers, both Perth and Sado are good places to visit.

Perth is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sado. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

Is Perth or Sado Better for Students?

Perth
Sado

Perth is a popular place for students. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not popular with students.


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

Perth
Sado

Perth is a popular place for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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 quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Perth or Sado a more walkable city?

Perth
Sado

Perth is a popular place for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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

Sado is not a very walkable city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Perth?

How long in Perth or Sado?

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

Families should spend more time in Perth than Sado. 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 Sado. 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 Sado 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 Sado? Ideal Length of Stay
    Perth 2-4 
    Sado 2-3

One day in Perth or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Perth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Sado, many people enjoy the food and museums that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This island 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 Sado?

Perth is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sado. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Sado?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Perth. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sado is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Sado. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Sado?

The friendly city of Perth offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find museums and food around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Sado. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sado 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 Sado is $82. 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 Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Perth $75
    Sado $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Perth $150
    Sado $62
Compare Hotels in Perth and Sado

Looking for a hotel in Perth or Sado? 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 Sado


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 Sado Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Perth $25
    Sado $14

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: $222
  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth, breakfast: $282

Is it cheaper to fly into Perth or Sado?

Prices for flights to both Sado 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
    Sado $42

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: $149
  • Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour: $167
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Perth $14
    Sado $8.74

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
  • Quest Experience in Cottesloe Beach Perth Pirates by the Sea : $12
  • Perth Bell Tower Entry Ticket and Bell Chiming Experience: $12
  • CBD Boom and Bust walking tour: $17
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Sado

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sado are as follows:

  • Sado Island Highlights: 3-Hour Bike Tour: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Perth $7.47
    Sado $69

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: $79
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $83
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $99
  • 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: $116


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Sado, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Perth is in Pacific and Sado is in Asia, 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 Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Perth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Perth than you might in Sado.

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



When is the best time to visit Perth or Sado?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Perth is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Sado has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Perth or Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado and Perth during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Perth is around the same temperature as Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Perth. In the summer, Perth often gets more sunshine than Sadoin July. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Perth usually gets less rain in January than Sadoin July. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Perth 25°C (76°F) 
    Sado 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Perth or Sado in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Sado. The autumn months attract visitors to Perth because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

In the autumn, Perth is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Perth in April average around 19°C (67°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F)in October.

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Sado during autumn. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Perth usually receives less rain than Sadoin October. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Perth 19°C (67°F) 
    Sado 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Perth or Sado in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Perth as well as Sado. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sado. In July, Perth is generally much warmer than Sadoin January. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 13°C (55°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Perth often gets more sunshine than Sadoin January. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Perth receives a lot of rain in the winter. Perth usually gets more rain in July than Sadoin January. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Perth 13°C (55°F) 
    Sado 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Perth or Sado in the Spring?

Both Sado and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Perth for the beaches.

Perth is much warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Sado during spring. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In October, Perth usually receives less rain than Sadoin April. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Perth 17°C (62°F) 
    Sado 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sado and Perth

Perth Sado
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Sep 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Nov 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)