A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Perth or Milford Sound?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Milford Sound can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Perth travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Perth and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Perth than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Perth is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. Also, Perth is famous for the Swan Bell Tower. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Perth different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Perth or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Perth is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Perth is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Perth or Milford Sound?

Perth is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Perth. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Perth or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Perth is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Perth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Perth or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Perth is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Perth or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Perth is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Perth offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Perth or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is very popular for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Milford Sound?

Perth is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Perth has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Perth or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Perth or Milford Sound Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Milford Sound.

Perth is a very family-friendly destination. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Milford Sound is a very kid-friendly city. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Perth or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Milford Sound is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Milford Sound is a great fiord if you're traveling as a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Perth or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Perth and Milford Sound are notable places to visit.

Perth is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

It's common for backpackers to visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Perth or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Perth is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Is Perth or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Perth is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Perth has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Perth or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Perth is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Perth is a somewhat walkable city. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Perth?

How long in Perth or Milford Sound?

Perth and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Perth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Perth than Milford Sound 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 Perth.

One day in Perth or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed destination of Perth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Perth or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the easy-going destination of Perth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Perth or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Perth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find skiing around the iconic destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Perth and Milford Sound, we can see that Perth 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Milford Sound?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 3330 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Milford Sound, 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.