A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Oxford for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sydney or Oxford?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Oxford, 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 glamorous , diverse, and energetic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Sydney travel costs.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of Oxford is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Oxford travel costs.

Sydney and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Oxford?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Oxford. Sydney is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Sydney is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Sydney different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oxford 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 Oxford?

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

Travelers visit Sydney from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Is the Food Better in Sydney or Oxford? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sydney. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Sydney or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is very popular for nightlife. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Sydney or Oxford Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Oxford Better for Beaches?

Sydney is very popular for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Oxford Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Oxford?

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Sydney. 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Sydney or Oxford More Beautiful?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Oxford is one of the main draws. The history and architecture make this a beautiful destination.

Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Is Sydney or Oxford Better for Families?

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

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Sydney or Oxford Better for Couples?

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

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Sydney or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Sydney. 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Sydney or Oxford Better for Students?

Sydney and Oxford are amazing 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.

Oxford is a very popular city for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Is Sydney or Oxford 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, Oxford 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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Sydney or Oxford a more walkable city?

Sydney and Oxford both are superb 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.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

For even more information, also check out Is Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Oxford Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Oxford?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sydney and Oxford. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Oxford. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 1-3 days is enough time in Oxford.

Families should spend more time in Sydney than Oxford. 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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford?

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sydney or Oxford?

Sydney is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Oxford 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 Oxford?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Oxford?

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Sydney and Oxford, we can see that Oxford is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Sydney is in Pacific and Oxford is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Oxford?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Sydney and Oxford, 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 Oxford?

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

Should I visit Sydney or Oxford in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Oxford. The summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

In the summer, Sydney is a little warmer than Oxford. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sydney in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Oxford averages at about 17°C (63°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the summer, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Oxfordin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Oxfordin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Sydney is generally much warmer than Oxfordin October. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 19°C (65°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Oxfordin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Oxford in the Winter?

Both Oxford and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oxford can get quite cold in the winter. Sydney is much warmer than Oxford in the winter. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Oxford fluctuates around 3°C (38°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Oxfordin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Oxfordin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Oxford. Many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sydney is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sydney in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Oxford averages at about 9°C (48°F)in April.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Oxfordin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Sydney