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

Should you visit Sydney or Phoenix?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Phoenix, 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 diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Sydney and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Phoenix?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sydney than Phoenix. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sydney is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Sydney different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Sydney is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sydney has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Sydney or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Sydney or Phoenix Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. 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.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a great city for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Phoenix?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Sydney specifically to go shopping. 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Sydney or Phoenix Better for Families?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Sydney or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Sydney or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Sydney or Phoenix Better for Students?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular city 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Sydney or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Sydney is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Phoenix?

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

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

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Phoenix. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sydney or Phoenix?

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the desert destination of Phoenix. This city 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Phoenix?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Phoenix. When comparing the sizes of Sydney and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Sydney is much colder than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C)in July.

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the summer, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Phoenixin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Phoenixin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Phoenix. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sydney is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Phoenixin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Phoenix. Many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In July, Sydney is generally cooler than Phoenixin January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the winter, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Phoenixin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in July than Phoenixin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Sydney is cooler than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C)in April.

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Phoenixin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Sydney