A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tanah Rata vs. Sydney for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Sydney?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Sydney? 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 Sydney?

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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $207. 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 Sydney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $76
    Sydney $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $152
    Sydney $206
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Sydney

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Sydney? 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 Tanah Rata


Hotels in Sydney


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 Sydney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tanah Rata $33
    Sydney $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
  • Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
  • Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
  • Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169

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
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • 11:30AM Sydney Airport-Hotel transfer with Bondi Tour: $125
  • 9:30AM Sydney Airport-Hotel transfer with City Half Day Tour: $111
  • Airport Transfer from Sydney Airport to Hotels: $295
  • Airport Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney by Business Car: $113
  • Airport Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney by Luxury Van: $126
  • Arrival Transfer from Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney city by Sedan: $90
  • Arrival Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney in Business Car: $113
  • Chauffeur Airport Transfers Sydney - Up to 15 Passengers: $99
  • Chauffeur Service Sydney For Luxury Airport Transfers: $112
  • Departure Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD in Business Car: $113
  • Featherdale Wildlife Park with Exclusive Private Transfers: $234
  • From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $355

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Sydney?

Prices for flights to both Sydney 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tanah Rata $87
    Sydney $77
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $6.42
  • Dessert
    $0.71
  • Lunch
    $4.52
  • Afternoon tea
    $4.40

Typical Food Prices in Sydney

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


  • Tea
    $2.62
  • Lunch Special
    $9.81
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.81
  • Meat Pies
    $3.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

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

  • City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $49
  • Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $49
  • Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $50
  • Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
  • Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $54
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Fish Market Food Tour: $63
  • Taste of Sydney Fish Market Food Tour: $64
  • Kids Cooking Classes: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $39
    Sydney $31
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:


  • Tea Factory Visit
    $6.42
  • 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: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
  • Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
  • Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
  • Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
  • Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292

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
    $29
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $125
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.85

Tours and Activities in Sydney

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

  • Sydney's Hidden Gems Self Guided City Tour: $1.79
  • Sydney Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.20
  • Sydney Cockatoo Island Escape: Convict Adventure Game: $7.20
  • Sydney Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40
  • Sydney Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Haunted Sydney Self-Guided Audio Ghost Tour: $10
  • Experience Sydney Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Tickets & Tours at Art Gallery of New South Wales: $16
  • Aboriginal Art Exhibition Ticket, Art Gallery of NSW: $16
  • Razor Gangs True Crime Tour: $16
  • Tours & Exhibitions at Art Gallery of New South Wales: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $21
    Sydney $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:

  • Wollongong Bar Crawl Go Out with a Gong: $15
  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
  • Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
  • Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $47
  • Marrickville Brewery Tour: $78
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $103
  • From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $111
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • Meet the Makers Sydney Native Food & Distillery Tour: $132
  • From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $144
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $148


When comparing the travel costs between Tanah Rata and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Tanah Rata is in Asia and Sydney is in Pacific, 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 Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Sydney Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 630 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

Both Sydney and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Sydney in the summer. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Sydneyin January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Sydney 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Tanah Rata during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tanah Rata in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney averages at about 19°C (65°F)in April.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Sydneyin April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Sydney 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Sydneyin July. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (80°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Sydneyin July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Sydney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Sydney. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Tanah Rata is much warmer than Sydney in the spring. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in April than Sydneyin October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Sydney 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Sydney and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Sydney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)