A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Arequipa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sydney or Arequipa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Arequipa, 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.

Where Should I go: Sydney or Arequipa?

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

Arequipa

Sitting in the middle of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes of Peru is the enchanting city of Arequipa. With 468 years of history, the city is full of Spanish colonial architecture. Known to locals as the "white city," the city center, Plaza de Armas, is quite the sight with buildings of sillar white stone made from the rocks of the surrounding volcanoes.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru, and The Best Cultural Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Arequipa or Sydney?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sydney is $221, while the average daily cost in Arequipa is $62. 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 Sydney and Arequipa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sydney $110
    Arequipa $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sydney $220
    Arequipa $50
Compare Hotels in Sydney and Arequipa

Looking for a hotel in Sydney or Arequipa? 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.

Hotels in Sydney


Hotels in Arequipa


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sydney Hotel Prices and Arequipa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sydney $16
    Arequipa $6.53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:


  • Taxi Ride
    $14
  • Taxi to Airport
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • 11:30AM Sydney Airport-Hotel transfer with Bondi Tour: $125
  • 9:30AM Sydney Airport-Hotel transfer with City Half Day Tour: $112
  • Airport Transfer from Sydney Airport to Hotels: $295
  • Airport Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney by Business Car: $115
  • Airport Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney by Luxury Van: $128
  • Airport Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD by Luxury Van: $128
  • Arrival Transfer from Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney city by Sedan: $116
  • Arrival Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney in Business Car: $115
  • Chauffeur Airport Transfers Sydney - Up to 15 Passengers: $99
  • Chauffeur Service Sydney For Luxury Airport Transfers: $112
  • Departure Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD in Business Car: $115
  • Featherdale Wildlife Park with Exclusive Private Transfers: $249

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Arequipa

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Arequipa are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.47
  • Bus Ride
    $0.47
  • Taxi Ride
    $1.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arequipa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arequipa:

  • 2 Day Trek Including Transfer to Puno / Colca Canyon: $179
  • 2 Days Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer to Puno: $115
  • 3 Day Trek Including Transfer to Puno / Colca Canyon: $214
  • Arequipa Airport (AQP) Private Transfer to Arequipa City: $23
  • Arequipa Airport Arrival Transfer: $13
  • Arequipa Airport Departure Transfer: $22
  • Arequipa Airport Private Transfer: $38
  • Arequipa Bus Station Arrival Transfer: $37
  • Colca Canyon + Transfer To Puno: $103
  • Colca Canyon 2 days from Arequipa with final transfer to Puno: $85
  • Colca Canyon Day Trip with Transfer to Puno: $65
  • Colca Canyon full day tour with transfer to Puno: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Sydney or Arequipa?

Prices for flights to both Arequipa and Sydney 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sydney $82
    Arequipa $26
Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.79
  • Lunch Special
    $10
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $10
  • Meat Pies
    $3.49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.

  • Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
  • City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
  • Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruises: $46
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
  • Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
  • Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
  • Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $53
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Sydney Street Art & Food Tour: $66
  • Kids Cooking Classes: $68
  • Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $72

Typical Food Prices in Arequipa

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arequipa:


  • Coke
    $0.44
  • Lunch
    $3.09
  • Ice Cream
    $1.18
  • Fruit
    $0.88
  • Ice Cream
    $1.03

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arequipa

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Arequipa.

  • Peruvian Cooking Experience in Arequipa: $35
  • Cooking Class at La Plantation: $36
  • Peruvian Cooking Class in arequipa: $50
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $63
  • Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour: $79
  • Arequipa Food Tour Experience: $115
  • Food Tour Gastronomic Guided: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sydney $34
    Arequipa $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $31
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $32
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $133
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $11

Tours and Activities in Sydney

Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sydney Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Walking Tour: $3.49
  • Sydney Ghost Tour: $5.00
  • Sydney Botanic Garden: Kids Quest Family Walking Adventure: $6.40
  • Sydney Kids Quest: Family Walking Adventure: $6.40
  • Sydney's Lavender Bay: An Audio Tour by ABC Broadcaster: $6.99
  • Sydney Walking Tour 3h00 and 18 audio reviews: $7.76
  • Sydney Cockatoo Island Escape: Convict Adventure Game: $8.15
  • Sydney City Highlights Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Self Guided Electric Bike Tour of Sydney: $11
  • Self Guided Electric Bike Tour of Sydney Beaches: $11
  • Sydney Harbour Self Guided Walking Tour with an App: $12
  • Upside Down House Photo Experience in Sydney: $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arequipa

Here are a few typical costs in Arequipa for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Monastery Entry
    $2.94
  • Salsa Class
    $2.94
  • Movie Ticket
    $3.21
  • Hot Springs
    $2.94

Tours and Activities in Arequipa

Here are a few actual costs in Arequipa for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arequipa Walking Tour city center and drinks experience: $10
  • Arequipa Tasting Tour: $13
  • Tour to La Ruta del Sillar and Culesbrillas in Arequipa: $15
  • Full Day Tour Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon Arequipa: $18
  • Countryside Tour Arequipa: $18
  • Chili River White Water Rafting Adventure with Pickup: $18
  • Rafting in Arequipa Chili River Half Day Tour: $18
  • Sillar Route and Culebrillas Tour Culture and Nature in Arequipa: $19
  • Rafting in Arequipa Chili River Half day Tour: $20
  • City Tour Arequipa: $20
  • Sillar Route and Culebrillas Gorge Tour from Arequipa: $20
  • Koh Rong Tour: A Snorkeling, Fishing, Sunset, Plankton: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sydney $16
    Arequipa $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:

  • Amazing Bar Crawl in Wollongong: Go Out with a Gong: $15
  • The Wednesday Social Pub Crawl & Karaoke: $22
  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
  • Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
  • The Rocks Pub Walking Tour: $85
  • From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tour from 3 Wineries & Vineyard Picnic: $135
  • From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149
  • From All Inclusive Boutique Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $155

Typical Alcohol Prices in Arequipa

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Arequipa are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.65


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sydney or Arequipa?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Arequipa. When comparing the sizes of Sydney and Arequipa, 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.