A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapporo vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sapporo or Melbourne?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sapporo and Melbourne can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Sapporo and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Melbourne?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sapporo than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Sapporo, Sapporo has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, while Melbourne is known for its beaches. Sapporo is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Sapporo different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Melbourne Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Melbourne and Sapporo.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Melbourne. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Melbourne both to be excellent destinations.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Melbourne makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Sapporo or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Sapporo and Melbourne.

The nightlife in Sapporo has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Melbourne offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Sapporo or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great city for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. 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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Melbourne?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sapporo and Melbourne both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Melbourne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Sapporo or Melbourne Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Melbourne are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Melbourne is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Sapporo or Melbourne Better for Couples?

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

Sapporo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Melbourne is a good city 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 Sapporo or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Sapporo or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Melbourne is a very popular city 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.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

Sapporo and Melbourne both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Sapporo offers a very effecient public transportation network. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Sapporo or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Sapporo and Melbourne are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Melbourne?

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

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

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

One day in Sapporo or Melbourne?

People visit Sapporo because there is so much to do. 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 Melbourne, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Sapporo or Melbourne?

People visit Sapporo because there is so much to do. 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.

In Melbourne, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer.

Five days in Sapporo or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant city of Sapporo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sapporo or Melbourne?

Sapporo is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Melbourne?

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

Should I visit Sapporo or Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Melbourne. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sapporo is generally around the same temperature as Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 21°C (69°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Sapporo gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sapporo or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Melbourne. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Sapporo is cooler than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

In the autumn, Sapporo often gets less sunshine than Melbournein April. Sapporo gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sapporo usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sapporo can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sapporo is much colder than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sapporo in January average around -5°C (24°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.

Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Sapporo gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. In January, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Melbournein July. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sapporo or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Sapporo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In April, Sapporo is generally much colder than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 7°C (44°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Sapporo often gets less sunshine than Melbournein October. Sapporo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

Sapporo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Melbournein October. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Sapporo