A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Sydney vs. Byron Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Pacific / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Sydney or Byron Bay?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?

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.

Byron Bay

South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.

Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Sydney?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sydney is $292, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $142. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sydney $100
    Byron Bay $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sydney $200
    Byron Bay $136
Compare Hotels in Sydney and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Sydney or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay


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 Byron Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sydney $15
    Byron Bay $33
Typical Local Transportation prices in Sydney

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Airport (YYZ) to City - Toronto Arrival Transfer: $5.00
  • Shuttle Transfer from Circular Quay Cruise Terminal to Sydney Airport: $13
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer from Sydney City to Sydney Airport: $13
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer to and from CBD Hotels: $18
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Sydney to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD): $29
  • Sydney Private Chauffeured Airport Transfer: $36
  • Sydney Airport (SYD) to Sydney hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • Sydney to Sydney Airport (SYD) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Sydney Airport Private Car Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Sydney Airport Private Car Departure Transfer: $44
  • Sydney's Best Chauffeured Airport Transfers: $50
  • Sydney Private Airport Transfer: $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:

  • Private Byron Bay Transfer to Gold Coast Airport 7am-6pm: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Sydney or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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 $45
    Byron Bay $49
Typical Food prices in Sydney

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


  • Tea
    $2.66
  • Lunch Special
    $9.97
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.97
  • Meat Pies
    $3.32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

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

  • Retro Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $59
  • Dinner Christmas Party! Nov&Dec: $62
  • Vivid Dinner Cruise Sydney Harbour: $63
  • Latino Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $67
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with 3 or 6-Course Menu: $71
  • Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise with live Brazilian show on Sydney Harbour: $78
  • Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise: $78
  • Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $79
  • Australia Day Dinner and Fireworks Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $103
  • Harbor Cruise with 3-Course Premium Dinner: $123
  • Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise: $126
  • Sydney Harbour Gold Penfolds Dinner Cruise: $197

Typical Food prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Byron Bay

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

  • Mount Warning Sunrise Climb Including Overnight Camping and BBQ Dinner: $166
  • Byron Bay Kayaking with Dolphins and Mount Warning Sunrise Climb Including Overnight Camping and BBQ Dinner: $224
  • Byron Bay Surfing Lesson and Mount Warning Sunrise Climb Including Overnight Camping and BBQ Dinner: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sydney $32
    Byron Bay $36
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
    $30
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $31
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $127
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $10

Tours and Activities in Sydney

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

  • Chinese Garden General Admission Ticket: $6.32
  • MultiDay Tour - Test for Booking.com: $6.90
  • Standard Tour 3 - Test for Booking.com: $6.90
  • Sydney Jewish Museum General Entry Ticket: $12
  • Sydney Opera House Guided Digital Tour: $14
  • Australian National Maritime Museum: All-Inclusive Ticket: $18
  • Sydney Tower Eye Ticket: $20
  • Australian National Maritime Museum Entry Ticket - See it All: $20
  • Sydney Sightseeing Bus Tour with Bondi Beach: $22
  • Cake and pastry walking tour - Sydney: $24
  • Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and Museum Walking Tour: $24
  • True Crime Tour: $25

Typical Entertainment prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $126
  • Surf Lesson
    $43

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: $51
  • Grasshoppers Byron Bay - Nimbin Tour: $51
  • Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour: $55
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $55
  • Byron Stand Up Paddle Nature Tour: $59
  • 3-Hour Small-Group Byron Bay Tour: $67
  • Cruise with Dolphins Tour: $69
  • Byron Bay Lighthouse and Hinterland Tour: $74
  • Cruise with Dolphins in Byron Bay: $75
  • Hinterland Magic & Glow-worm Experience: $77
  • 3-Hour Sea Turtle Snorkeling Experience in Byron Bay: $78
  • Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour in Julian Rocks Reserve: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sydney $15
    Byron Bay $14
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:

  • Urban Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Cheese Platter: $61
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting: $123
  • Small-Group Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $130
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tour from Sydney with Lunch and 3 Cellar Door Tastings: $138
  • Hunter Valley Small Group Luxury Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $138
  • Sip n Savour: Southern Highlands Premium Wine Tour from Sydney: $154
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $157
  • Wine Tours Sydney - Southern Highlands Day Escape, Full Day Wine Tasting Tour: $217
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Small Group: Cheese, Choc, Lunch, from Sydney+Hunter: $217
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tour from Sydney | Private Sydney Wine Tour: $356
  • Hunter Valley Highlights Private Wine Tour from Sydney: $387

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Afternoon session Brewery and Distillery tour in Byron Bay: $116
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $141
  • Byron: Pub, Brewery and Distillery Tour: $172

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Sydney or Byron Bay?

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.

Should I visit Sydney or Byron Bay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Byron Bay.

In January, Sydney is generally around the same temperature as Byron Bay. Temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Byron Bay stays around 23°C (74°F).

Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sydney usually receives less rain than Byron Bay. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Sydney 23°C (73°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Byron Bay.

Sydney is around the same temperature as Byron Bay in the autumn. The temperature in Sydney is usually 19°C (65°F) in April, and Byron Bay stays around 20°C (69°F).

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney usually gets less rain in April than Byron Bay. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Sydney 19°C (65°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Sydney is cooler than Byron Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July are around 12°C (53°F), and Byron Bay is about 14°C (58°F).

In July, Sydney usually receives around the same amount of rain as Byron Bay. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Sydney 12°C (53°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Byron Bay in the Spring?

Both Byron Bay and Sydney during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Sydney is generally around the same temperature as Byron Bay. Temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Byron Bay stays around 19°C (67°F).

Sydney usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bay. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Sydney 18°C (64°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Sydney

Sydney Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)


Related Articles for Byron Bay
SydneyPerthAdelaideBrisbaneGold CoastNewcastle

Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) vs. Sydney
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) vs. Byron Bay
Perth vs. Sydney
Perth vs. Byron Bay
Darwin vs. Sydney
Darwin vs. Byron Bay
Alice Springs vs. Sydney
Alice Springs vs. Byron Bay
Adelaide vs. Sydney
Adelaide vs. Byron Bay
Torquay vs. Sydney
Torquay vs. Byron Bay
Sydney vs. Surfers Paradise
Sydney vs. Rockhampton
Sydney vs. Noosa Heads
Sydney vs. Newcastle
Sydney vs. Melbourne
Sydney vs. Katoomba
Sydney vs. Hobart
Sydney vs. Gold Coast
Sydney vs. Fraser Island
Sydney vs. Coffs Harbour
Sydney vs. Wollongong
Sydney vs. Canberra
Sydney vs. Cairns
Sydney vs. Brisbane
Sydney vs. Airlie Beach
Sydney vs. Whitsundays
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Sydney vs. Byron Bay Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.