A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Perth vs. Surfers Paradise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Perth or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Perth or Surfers Paradise?

Perth

Capital of Western Australia, Perth is a city that sits where the Swan River meets the sea, and given its ocean side location there is plenty to see and do on the water and beyond. Spend a day on Perth's sandy beaches or get lost in its parks and gardens, sail down the river or enjoy the city's history and culture visiting museums and historic sites, shopping, dining, and much more.

Surfers Paradise

A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.

Which city is cheaper, Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise is $106. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Perth and Surfers Paradise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Perth $76
    Surfers Paradise $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Perth $152
    Surfers Paradise $136
Compare Hotels in Perth and Surfers Paradise

Looking for a hotel in Perth or Surfers Paradise? 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 Surfers Paradise


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
    Surfers Paradise $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

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

  • Private Sedan Transfer from Perth CBD Hotel to Perth Airport: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Perth Airport: $48
  • Perth Departure Transfer by Private Chauffeur: Perth City Center to Airport: $59
  • Perth Airport Transfer - group booking: $198

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Private Brisbane Airport Departure Transfer From Gold Coast: $177
  • Gold Coast: Airport to Hotel Return Transfer: $33
  • One-Way Shared Transfer to Byron Bay: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Perth or Surfers Paradise?

Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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
    Surfers Paradise $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Perth

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

  • Perth Classic Bites & Local Flavors: Food Tour: $71
  • Swan Valley Half-Day Food Tour and Wine Trail from Perth: $75
  • Half-Day Low and Slow BBQ Food Tour in Perth: $91
  • Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise: $110
  • Withlocals The 10 Tastings: Perth Private Food Tour: $118
  • Pinnacles Sunset Dinner and Wildlife Experience a Small Group Tour: $130

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak and Dinner: $40
  • Dinner Buffet Cruise on the Gold Coast: $70
  • Gold Coast: Spirits of the Red Sand Aboriginal Show & Dinner: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Perth $14
    Surfers Paradise $24

Tours and Activities in Perth

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

  • "The Thirsty Three" Swan Valley Private Tour: $154
  • 1-Day Pinnacles and Yanchep Tour from Perth including Fish and Chips Lunch: $348
  • 1-Day Private Perth and Fremantle Tour: $263
  • 1/2 day Swan Valley Wine Cheese & Chocolate Tour Inc Afternoon Cruise to Perth: $87
  • 2-Hour Guided Welcome Perth City Walking Tour: $174
  • 20 Day Perth to Darwin Adventure: $3,279
  • 4 Day South West Australia Tour - All inclusive with premium accomodation: $944
  • 4-Day South West Yoga and Wellness Tour from Perth: $1,430
  • 5 Day Perth to Exmouth Adventure: $839
  • 6 Days Perth All-Inclusive Touring Package: $1,580
  • 6-Day Esperance Adventure Tour from Perth: $743
  • 9 Day Perth to Broome Adventure: $1,513

Typical Entertainment prices in Surfers Paradise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surf Lesson
    $80

Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise

For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $32
  • Aquaduck Secrets, Scandals and Sunset Tour: $47
  • Body Massage Experience in Gold Coast: $160
  • Byron Bay and the Crystal Castle Day Tour from Gold Coast: $97
  • Full Day Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $126
  • Full-Day Moreton Island 4x4 Sightseeing Tour: $259
  • Glow Worms Private Tour - Nocturnal Rainforest Walk: $466
  • Glow Worms Tour - Nocturnal Rainforest Walk - Small Group: $78
  • Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $20
  • Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $21
  • Gold Coast Hydrofoil Tours: $131
  • Gold Coast Morning Tea Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Perth $7.59
    Surfers Paradise $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Perth Bar Crawl: $12
  • Afternoon Swan Valley Sundowner Wine Tour from Perth: $63
  • Swan Valley Half-Day Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $70
  • Sunday Afternoon Swan Valley Wine & Brewery Tour from Perth: $75
  • The Non-Touristy Swan Valley Private Day Trip & Wine Tastings: $81
  • From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $94
  • Swan Valley Sunset Wine Tour - Premium Small Group Tour: $95
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Winery & Brewery: $99
  • Small-Group Bickley Valley Wine Tour: $107
  • Wine Tasting Day Trip and Swan Valley River Cruise to Perth: $123
  • Swan Valley River Cruise and Wine Tasting Day Trip from Perth: $123
  • VIP Swan Valley Wine Tour: Premium Small-Group Wine and Gourmet Experience: $126

Sample the Local Flavors in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Private Half Day Wine Tour from Gold Coast to Tamborine Mountain: $119
  • Hipster Sipster Brewery and Distillery Tour: $154


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Surfers Paradise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Surfers Paradise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.


When is the best time to visit Perth or Surfers Paradise?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Perth or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Surfers Paradise.

In January, Perth is generally around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Temperatures in Perth average around 25°C (76°F), and Surfers Paradise stays around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Perth 25°C (76°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Perth or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Perth as well as Surfers Paradise.

Perth is cooler than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The temperature in Perth is usually 19°C (67°F) in April, and Surfers Paradise stays around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the autumn, Perth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Perth usually gets less rain in April than Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Perth 19°C (67°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Perth or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Perth is cooler than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Perth in July are around 13°C (55°F), and Surfers Paradise is about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Perth usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Perth. In July, Perth usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Perth 13°C (55°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Perth or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

Both Surfers Paradise and Perth during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Perth is generally cooler than Surfers Paradise. Temperatures in Perth average around 17°C (62°F), and Surfers Paradise stays around 21°C (69°F).

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Perth. In the spring, Perth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Perth usually gets less rain in October than Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Perth 17°C (62°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Perth

Perth Surfers Paradise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)


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Perth vs. Surfers Paradise Travel Comparison

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