A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Taupo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Perth or Taupo?

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 Taupo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a sunny, friendly, and relaxed city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Perth travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Taupo travel costs.

Perth and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Taupo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Taupo. Although Perth and Taupo are popular destinations, Taupo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Taupo is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Perth attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and beaches. Taupo is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also well known for the Craters of the Moon reserve. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Perth or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is very popular for skiing. However, Perth is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is among the world's best ski destinations. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Perth is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Perth or Taupo?

Perth is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Perth offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. 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.

Is Perth or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Perth and Taupo.

If you're looking for night time activities Perth has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Perth or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Perth is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Perth. 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Perth or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Taupo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Taupo both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Perth. 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.

Taupo offers some nice shopping areas. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Perth or Taupo More Beautiful?

Taupo is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Perth or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Taupo is one of the most popular family destinations. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Perth or Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is very popular for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Taupo has plenty to offer. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. 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.

Is Perth or Taupo Better for Students?

Perth is a popular place for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Perth and Taupo both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Taupo has a few public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Perth or Taupo a more walkable city?

Perth and Taupo are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Perth?

How long in Perth or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Perth and Taupo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Perth than in Taupo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 2-3 days is enough time in Taupo.

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

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

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

One day in Perth or Taupo?

In Perth, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this isolated destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This city 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.

In Taupo, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this otherworldly destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the skiing. This town 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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

Perth is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Perth. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Taupo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Taupo. Lots of people come for the skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Taupo?

You'll find food and shopping around the easy-going destination of Perth. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the striking destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Taupo, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Taupo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taupo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taupo 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 Perth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Perth than you might in Taupo.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Taupo?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Taupo, 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.