A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Melbourne for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Families

Should you visit Phuket or Melbourne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Melbourne, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a stunning, activity-filled, and energetic resort island. Phuket is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Phuket travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Melbourne travel costs.

Phuket and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Melbourne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Phuket. Melbourne is bigger than Phuket, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Phuket is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Phuket different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phuket or Melbourne?

Melbourne is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Melbourne can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Phuket or Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Melbourne can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Phuket. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Melbourne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Phuket or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Phuket is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Phuket or Melbourne Better for Resorts?

Phuket is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Phuket is a great choice. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Melbourne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Phuket. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Phuket is very popular for the beach. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Phuket. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Melbourne?

Melbourne is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Melbourne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Is Phuket or Melbourne More Beautiful?

Phuket is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Phuket is a beautiful place to visit, too. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly city. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Phuket offers lots of family activities. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

Is Phuket or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Phuket is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Phuket makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Melbourne is a good resort island for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Phuket or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Phuket and Melbourne are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Phuket. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. While it gets its share of backpackers, many visitors complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Melbourne is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Phuket or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Phuket is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Phuket is not popular with students.

Is Phuket or Melbourne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Melbourne is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Melbourne can get you around easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

While Phuket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

Is Phuket or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable resort island. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Phuket Worth Visiting? and Is Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Melbourne?

In either Phuket or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne than Phuket 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 Melbourne.

One day in Phuket or Melbourne?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort island of Phuket. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Phuket or Melbourne?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the stunning destination of Phuket. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Phuket or Melbourne?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic resort island of Phuket. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Melbourne?

Phuket is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phuket, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive big city of Melbourne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Melbourne, 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 Phuket or Melbourne?

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

Should I visit Phuket or Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Melbourne. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Phuket is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the summer, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Phuket is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Phuket is December to March. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.

Should I visit Phuket or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Phuket during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Melbournein July. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Melbournein July. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Phuket is much warmer than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Phuket