A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yokohama vs. Melbourne for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yokohama or Melbourne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Melbourne, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a bright, colorful, and under-rated city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Yokohama travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Melbourne travel costs.

Yokohama and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne. Although Yokohama and Melbourne are roughly the same size, Melbourne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Yokohama different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yokohama or Melbourne?

Both Yokohama and Melbourne have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yokohama can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Is the Food Better in Yokohama or Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Yokohama and Melbourne.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yokohama makes for a great culinary experience. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Yokohama or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Yokohama and Melbourne.

Yokohama is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

Many people head to Melbourne for the nightlife scene. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Yokohama or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is well known for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Melbourne?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Melbourne and Yokohama.

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Yokohama or Melbourne Better for Families?

Yokohama is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Yokohama is a very family-friendly destination. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Yokohama or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Yokohama is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Yokohama makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Yokohama or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Melbourne are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Melbourne is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Yokohama or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is terrific for students. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

It's common for students to visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Is Yokohama or Melbourne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Yokohama and Melbourne.

Public transit in Yokohama is fairly effecient and thorough. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

Melbourne has some very good public transit options. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Yokohama or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Yokohama and Melbourne both are very good when exploring on foot.

Yokohama is very walkable. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

For even more information, also check out Is Yokohama Worth Visiting? and Is Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Melbourne?

In either Yokohama or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Yokohama because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yokohama, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne than Yokohama 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 Melbourne.

One day in Yokohama or Melbourne?

People visit Yokohama because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yokohama has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Melbourne offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Melbourne?

People visit Yokohama because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Melbourne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Yokohama. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Yokohama or Melbourne?

Yokohama is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yokohama and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Yokohama much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yokohama is in Asia and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Yokohama would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yokohama 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Yokohama.

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Yokohama. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Melbourne, 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 Yokohama or Melbourne?

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

Should I visit Yokohama or Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Melbourne. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Yokohama is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yokohama in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. In the summer, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yokohama usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Yokohama is generally a little warmer than Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 18°C (64°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during autumn. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Yokohama. In October, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yokohama or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Yokohama during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Yokohama is much colder than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.

In the winter, Yokohama often gets more sunshine than Melbournein July. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Yokohama usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Melbourne. The activities around the city are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yokohama in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Yokohama