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

Should you visit Phuket or Perth?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Perth, 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 energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Perth

Perth is a relaxed, easy-going, and isolated city. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Phuket and Perth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Perth?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Phuket than Perth. While Perth is larger than Phuket, Phuket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Phuket is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Perth attracts visitors for its museums. Phuket is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. It is also well known for The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha). Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Phuket different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Perth 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 Perth can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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."

Perth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Phuket or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is very popular for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

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 Phuket or Perth Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Phuket is a perfect 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.

Perth is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Perth Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket 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 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.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Perth Better for Beaches?

Both Phuket and Perth have terrific beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Phuket are among the best in the world. 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.

Perth is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Perth?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Perth and Phuket.

Phuket offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Perth has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Phuket or Perth Better for Families?

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

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.

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 Perth Better for Couples?

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

Phuket is a great resort island if you're traveling as 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.

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 Phuket or Perth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Perth is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Phuket is a resort island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Phuket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. Many backpackers complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Is Phuket or Perth Better for Students?

Perth is a nice place to visit for students. However, Phuket is not popular with students.

Perth is popular with students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Phuket is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Phuket and Perth.

You'll find some public transit in Phuket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

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.

Is Phuket or Perth a more walkable city?

Phuket and Perth both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Perth or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Phuket or Perth. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Phuket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-4 days is enough time in Perth.

Families should spend more time in Perth than Phuket. 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 Phuket than Perth. 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 Perth 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 Perth.

One day in Phuket or Perth?

In Phuket, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this party-hard destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Perth. 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 Perth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Perth is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Perth?

Phuket is a fun place to experience. In Phuket, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Perth?

In Phuket, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this energetic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sunny destination of Perth. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Perth, we can see that Perth 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 Perth 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 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 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 Perth Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Perth?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Perth, 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 Perth?

Perth 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 Perth in the Summer?

Both Perth and Phuket during the summer 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 summer months attract visitors to Perth because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Perthin January. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Perth fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Perthin January. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 331 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Perthin January. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Perth in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Perth. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Perth this time of year.

Phuket is a little warmer than Perth in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Perth fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Perth during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 219 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Perthin April. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Perth in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Perth. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Perth for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Perth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Perth averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Perthin July. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 166 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Perth. Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Perthin July. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season.

Should I visit Phuket or Perth in the Spring?

Both Perth and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Perth in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Phuket is generally much warmer than Perthin October. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Perth fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Perthin October. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Perth receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.

Typical Weather for Perth and Phuket