A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. San Diego for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Perth or San Diego?

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 San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

San Diego

San Diego is a outdoorsy, idyllic, and fun-filled coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Perth and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or San Diego?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego. Although Perth and San Diego are popular destinations, San Diego has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Diego is more touristy than Perth and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also well known for The San Diego Zoo. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Perth or San Diego.

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 San Diego can be an interesting and educational experience. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

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

Both Perth and San Diego offer nice 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 San Diego. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Perth or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to San Diego for the nightlife scene. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is great for live music. However, Perth is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Diego draws a good crowd. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Perth is not a live music destination.

Is Perth or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Perth is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Perth is not a resort destination.

Is Perth or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Perth or San Diego Better for Beaches?

Perth and San Diego are first-rate choices for a beach vacation.

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.

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Is Perth or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or San Diego?

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and San Diego both offer plenty of nice 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.

San Diego offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Perth or San Diego Better for Families?

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

San Diego is one of the most popular family destinations. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Perth or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is very popular for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, San Diego has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Perth and San Diego are nice 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 San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Perth or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit San Diego. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

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.

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

Perth is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Perth or San Diego a more walkable city?

Perth and San Diego are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Perth?

How long in Perth or San Diego?

In either Perth or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Perth because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Perth or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Perth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In San Diego, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this fun-filled destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal 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 San Diego?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the easy-going destination of Perth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the isolated city of Perth. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

San Diego is a fun place to experience. In San Diego, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Perth or San Diego?

Perth is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of San Diego. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Perth or San Diego?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Perth and San Diego, 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.

When is the best time to visit Perth or San Diego?

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 San Diego has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Perth or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Perth in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Perth is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Perth in January average around 25°C (76°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C)in July.

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually receives more sunshine than San Diego during summer. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Perth usually receives more rain than San Diegoin July. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Perth or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Perth during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Perth for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Perth is generally around the same temperature as San Diegoin October. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 19°C (67°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Perth. In the autumn, Perth often gets less sunshine than San Diegoin October. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets more rain in April than San Diegoin October. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and San Diego. The winter months attract visitors to Perth because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

Perth is around the same temperature as San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Perth usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

Perth gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Perth usually receives more rain than San Diegoin January. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Perth or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Perth as well as San Diego. The beaches are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Perth is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Perth in October average around 17°C (62°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the spring, Perth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diegoin April. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets more rain in October than San Diegoin April. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Perth