A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Sydney vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Sydney or Melbourne?

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

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

Sydney

Sydney is a outdoorsy, adventurous, and glamorous city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Sydney and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Melbourne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Sydney different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Sydney are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Sydney or Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Melbourne can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Melbourne. 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 Sydney or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Sydney is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Sydney or Melbourne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few good snorkeling spots. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Sydney is very popular for the beache. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Sydney. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Sydney or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Melbourne?

Sydney is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Sydney draws large crowds to its stores. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. 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 Sydney or Melbourne Better for Families?

Sydney is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sydney is a very family-friendly destination. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Melbourne is known to be 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 Sydney or Melbourne Better for Couples?

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

Sydney makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Sydney is extremely popular for backpackers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Melbourne Better for Students?

Sydney and Melbourne are fantastic places to visit for students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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.

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

Sydney is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Sydney has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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 Sydney or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Sydney and Melbourne both are very good when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Melbourne?

In either Sydney or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Melbourne?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Melbourne. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Melbourne?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Melbourne?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Melbourne?

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive big city of Melbourne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Melbourne?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Melbourne. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Melbourne?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Sydney or Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Melbourne. Many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Sydney is generally a little warmer than Melbourne. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the summer, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Melbourne. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Melbourne. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Sydney is a little warmer than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Melbourne. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In the winter, Sydney is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Melbourne. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in July than Melbourne. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Melbourne. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In October, Sydney is generally a little warmer than Melbourne. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Melbourne. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Sydney