Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Surfers Paradise?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Brisbane, 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.
Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Brisbane. Although Surfers Paradise and Brisbane are popular destinations, Brisbane has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brisbane is very popular for its big city activities, while Surfers Paradise attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also well known for the Cultural Centre.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Brisbane and Surfers Paradise. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Brisbane and Surfers Paradise.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.
Surfers Paradise is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.
Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.
Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.
Surfers Paradise has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.
Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.
Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane is not a resort destination.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Surfers Paradise is a perfect choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.
Brisbane is not a resort destination.
Surfers Paradise is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.
There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.
Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.
Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for the beach. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.
With world-famous beaches, Surfers Paradise is a very popular vacation destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.
You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.
Surfers Paradise and Brisbane are both places where visitors can find nice hiking trails.
Surfers Paradise has hiking trails worth exploring. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.
Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.
Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.
Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.
Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.
Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.
Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.
Surfers Paradise is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.
Surfers Paradise is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.
Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.
Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.
Brisbane is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.
Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.
Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.
Visitors will find nice public transit in both Surfers Paradise and Brisbane.
Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.
You'll find some public transit in Brisbane, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.
Brisbane is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.
Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.
Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.
For even more information, also check out Is Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Surfers Paradise and Brisbane. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Brisbane. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 2-3 days is enough time in Brisbane.
Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Brisbane. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Surfers Paradise, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Brisbane. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Surfers Paradise that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Brisbane 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 Surfers Paradise.
The city of Surfers Paradise offers museums and nightlife. 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.
You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxed destination of Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Surfers Paradise is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
You'll find shopping and museums around the relaxed coastal city of Brisbane. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Surfers Paradise is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Surfers Paradise, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Brisbane is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surfers Paradise has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
Brisbane is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Surfers Paradise is $104, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $131. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Surfers Paradise and Brisbane in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Surfers Paradise or Brisbane? 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.
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.
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Brisbane and Surfers Paradise 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.
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surfers Paradise and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane than you might in Surfers Paradise.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surfers Paradise Expensive? and Is Brisbane Expensive?.
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise and Brisbane, 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Brisbane. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane during summer. Surfers Paradise gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.
Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brisbane. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Brisbane. The autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.
In the autumn, Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surfers Paradise in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In the autumn, Surfers Paradise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Surfers Paradise gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surfers Paradise usually gets less rain in April than Brisbane. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Brisbane and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Surfers Paradise is generally around the same temperature as Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 15°C (59°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Brisbane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane during winter. Surfers Paradise gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Brisbane. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Brisbane and Surfers Paradise during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brisbane in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. In the spring, Surfers Paradise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Surfers Paradise gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in October than Brisbane. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surfers Paradise | Brisbane | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
May | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Oct | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |