A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Auckland for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saaremaa or Auckland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Auckland, 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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a quiet, calm, and peaceful island. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of Saaremaa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Auckland travel costs.

Saaremaa and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Auckland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland. Although Saaremaa and Auckland are both popular with visitors, Auckland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Auckland is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saaremaa or Auckland?

Auckland is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saaremaa or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Auckland can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Auckland makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Auckland for the nightlife scene. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is great for the beach. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saaremaa. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Auckland?

Auckland is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland More Beautiful?

Saaremaa is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Saaremaa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Auckland. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Auckland are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Auckland is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Auckland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Auckland a more walkable city?

Auckland is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Auckland is generally not a very walkable city. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Auckland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Saaremaa 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 Auckland.

One day in Saaremaa or Auckland?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Auckland?

Saaremaa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saaremaa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auckland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Auckland?

Saaremaa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Auckland is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Auckland?

Saaremaa is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Auckland is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Saaremaa and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Saaremaa is in Europe and Auckland is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Auckland, 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 Saaremaa or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Saaremaa or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Auckland. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. In Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Aucklandin January. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Auckland. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

Saaremaa is much colder than Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin April. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Aucklandin April. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is much colder than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin October. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Aucklandin October. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Saaremaa