A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapporo vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Families, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Sapporo or Cairns?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sapporo and Cairns can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sapporo travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a adventure-filled, tropical, and idyllic city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Cairns travel costs.

Sapporo and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Cairns?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cairns than Sapporo. While Sapporo is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cairns is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Sapporo attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, and big city activities. Cairns is more touristy than Sapporo and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Sapporo is famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival.

How is Sapporo different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cairns is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Cairns is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sapporo or Cairns?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Sapporo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

Is the Food Better in Sapporo or Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Cairns both to be excellent destinations.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cairns makes for a great culinary experience. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

People head to Cairns just to party. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Sapporo offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Sapporo is not a resort destination.

In Cairns, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Sapporo is not a resort destination.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cairns is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Cairns is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Around Cairns visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Cairns?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sapporo and Cairns both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Cairns is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Cairns is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Sapporo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Couples?

Both Sapporo and Cairns are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Cairns is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Cairns, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Students?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairns is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Cairns is not popular with students.

Is Sapporo or Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Sapporo can get you to most places easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Sapporo or Cairns a more walkable city?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Sapporo Worth Visiting? and Is Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Cairns?

In either Sapporo or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Sapporo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sapporo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns than Sapporo 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 Cairns.

One day in Sapporo or Cairns?

Sapporo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Cairns, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Sapporo or Cairns?

Sapporo 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.

In Cairns, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Five days in Sapporo or Cairns?

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

Cairns is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cairns has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sapporo or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the snowy big city of Sapporo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Cairns. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Sapporo and Cairns, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo is in Asia and Cairns 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 Sapporo Expensive? and Is Cairns Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Cairns?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo and Cairns, 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 Sapporo or Cairns?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cairns is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Sapporo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sapporo or Cairns in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Cairns. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairns in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Sapporo is cooler than Cairns in the summer. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in January.

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Sapporo usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Sapporo or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Cairns. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Sapporo is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sapporo in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sapporo usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Sapporo or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cairns because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sapporo can be very cold during winter. In January, Sapporo is generally much colder than Cairnsin July. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around -5°C (24°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. In January, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sapporo or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns and Sapporo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Sapporo is much colder than Cairns in the spring. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.

Sapporo usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Sapporo