Which place is cheaper, South Australia or Western Australia?
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 Western Australia or South Australia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Western Australia and South Australia 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.
Where Should I go: Western Australia or South Australia?
Western Australia
The vast expanses of Australia's largest state are meant for those looking to find a place in the world that's been virtually untouched by man. Western Australia is essentially the entire western third of the continent with most everyone living in the southwest near Perth.
As the capital of this state, Perth is the most isolated large city in the world. With 2 million people living in and around Perth, this city sits in the middle of nowhere. There are less than 500,000 people living outside of the city creating that untouched atmosphere for the traveler looking to truly get away.
South Australia
Millions of travelers are attracted to Australia for a variety of reasons. Sure there are adventures waiting around ever Aussie corner, but sometimes you just want to sit back and relax. That's when it's time to visit South Australia.
Nestled between Western Australia and Queensland, this state is home to 1.6 million people. Even with that many people, however, it's still less than 10 percent of the entire country's population. With less tourists, infamous wine, delectable produce and an untouched environment, Southern Australia is the perfect spot to kickback in the outback.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.
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Western Australia Prices
Australia PricesSouth Australia Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWestern Australia $135South Australia $160
The average daily cost (per person) in Western Australia is $135, while the average daily cost in South Australia is $160. 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 Western Australia and South Australia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWestern Australia $67South Australia $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWestern Australia $134South Australia $126
Compare Hotels in Western Australia and South Australia
Looking for a hotel in Western Australia or South Australia? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Western Australia $25South Australia $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Western Australia
Also for Western Australia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth, breakfast: $282
- Perth Airport (PER) to Perth city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
- Guided Paspaley Pearl Farm Tour with Return Transfers: $142
- Private Transfer from Exmouth Port to Learmonth Airport (LEA): $115
- Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
- Departure Transfer: Perth to Perth Airport PER by Business Car: $79
- Private Transfer from Perth Airport(PER) to Fremantle Cruise Port: $75
- Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $74
- Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $74
- Private Transfer from Exmouth Cruise Port to Exmouth city hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Exmouth City Hotels to Exmouth Cruise Port: $66
- Perth Departure Transfer by Private Chauffeur: Perth City Center to Airport: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Western Australia or South Australia?
Prices for flights to both South Australia and Western Australia 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 dayWestern Australia $47South Australia $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Western Australia
For Western Australia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Swan River Dinner Cruise: $101
- Margaret River Small-Group Full-Day Wine & Food Tour: $116
- Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Dinner Experience Small Group Tour: $124
- Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour: $167
- The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $176
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Western Australia $13South Australia $14
Tours and Activities in Western Australia
For Western Australia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Busselton Jetty and Underwater Sculptures Snorkel Boat Tour: $66
- 1 Day Margaret River Sightseeing Tour from Perth: $133
- 1 Hour Broome Sunset Camel Tour : $84
- 1 Hour Deluxe Scenic Dolphin Cruise: $25
- 2 Hour Whale-Watching Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour: $50
- 2 Hours Culture and Street Art Tour in Fremantle: $43
- 2 hour whale watching experience departing Hillarys Boat Harbour: $50
- 2hr Broome Trike Discovery Tour : $118
- 3.5 Hour Broome Sunset Cruise: $110
- 3.5 hours Sunset Cruise in Broome : $104
- 6 Hours Pinnacles Express Tour : $128
- 90 Minute Midweek Pirate Ship Scenic Cruise : $23
Tours and Activities in South Australia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for South Australia.
- 1 Day Aboriginal Cultural Tour of Port Lincoln: $210
- 2-Hour Kayaking Experience in Barossa Valley: $37
- 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $59
- Adelaide City Highlights via Hahndorf Half-Day Tour: $107
- Adelaide City Highlights- Hahndorf and Mt. Lofty Half-Day Tour: $87
- Adelaide City and Hahndorf Full Day Tour: $127
- Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours to Hahndorf & Hills Wildlife Wonders: $245
- Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour: $52
- Adelaide Hills Cleland Wildlife Park and Hahndorf Minibus Tour: $128
- Adelaide Hills Tour with River Murray Lunch Cruise: $127
- Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf - Half Day Private Tour: $164
- Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Half-Day Tour from Adelaide: $66
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWestern Australia $7.25South Australia $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Western Australia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Western Australia:
- Premium Temper Temper Chocolate & Red Wine Tasting: $20
- Private Wine Tasting in Barrel Hall: $27
- Private Barrel Hall Wine Tasting in the Margaret River Region: $34
- Small-Group Wine Tour in Margaret River: $37
- Savour Voyager Wine Tasting: $43
- Back Vintage Wine Tasting: $43
- Swan Valley Wine Tour - Half Day Afternoon: $70
- Perth: Swan Valley Half-Day Wine Tour - Small Group Experience: $70
- Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $70
- Sunset Wine Tasting Experience at Passel Estate: $79
- Discover Voyager Tour and Wine Tasting: $87
- Broome Trio Afternoon Adventure: Brewery, Museum & Crocodile Park: $87
Sample the Local Flavors in South Australia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in South Australia:
- Exquisite Unique Wine Tasting Experience: $20
- Gourmet Grazing Platter & Wine Tasting Experience for 2: $48
- McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $60
- Luke's McLaren Vale Wine Tour: $83
- Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $91
- Barossa Wine Tasting shared tours: $110
- Discover Barossa: 4 Wine Tastings, Gourmet Lunch, and Hidden Gems: $111
- Adelaide Hills: Self-guided E-Bike wine tour with Lunch: $116
- Barossa Premium Wine Tasting Tour & lunch Departs 7 days a week : $120
- Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $120
- Adelaide Scenic E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $126
- McLaren Vale Small Group Wine Tour: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Western Australia and South Australia, we can see that South Australia is more expensive. And not only is Western Australia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Western Australia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Western Australia 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 South Australia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in South Australia than you might in Western Australia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Western Australia Expensive? and Is South Australia Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Western Australia or South Australia?
Western Australia has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of South Australia. When comparing the sizes of Western Australia and South Australia, 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.
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.