Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Tanah Rata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tanah Rata or Canberra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Canberra? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tanah Rata or Canberra?
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
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Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesCanberra Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Canberra $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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 Tanah Rata and Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Canberra $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Canberra? 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.
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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Canberra $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
- Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
- Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra and Tanah Rata 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
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Food Meals for one dayTanah Rata $87Canberra $60
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $39Canberra $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
- Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
- Ultimate Museum Experience | Tour + Dine + Shop (10am daily): $42
- Ultimate Museum Experience | Dine + Tour + Shop (1pm daily): $42
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $43
- The Women Behind Inspiring Tour with Local Guide: $43
- Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $46
- Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $21Canberra $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.16
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
- Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
- 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $161
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
- 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Canberra, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tanah Rata is in Asia and Canberra is in Pacific, 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 Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata than you might in Canberra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Canberra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Canberra?
Canberra has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Canberra, 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 Tanah Rata or Canberra?
Canberra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Canberra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Canberra. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
In July, Tanah Rata is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Tanah Rata usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Canberrain January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Canberra in the Autumn?
Both Canberra and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Tanah Rata is much warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Canberrain April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Canberra in the Winter?
Both Canberra and Tanah Rata during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Canberrain July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Canberra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Canberrain October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.