Adelaide is a friendly city known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Adelaide?
You should plan to spend around $131 (AU$203) per day on your vacation in Adelaide. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $53 (AU$82) on meals
- $18 (AU$28) on local transportation
- $129 (AU$200) on hotels
A one week trip to Adelaide for two people costs, on average, $1,838 (AU$2,842). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$919
AU$1,421
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,838
AU$2,842
-
One Month
Per person
$3,938
AU$6,090
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,838
AU$2,842
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,676
AU$5,684
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,877
AU$12,180
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Adelaide cost?
A one week trip to Adelaide usually costs around $919 (AU$1,421) for one person and $1,838 (AU$2,842) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Adelaide on average costs around $1,838 (AU$2,842) for one person and $3,676 (AU$5,684) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Adelaide will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Adelaide on average costs around $3,938 (AU$6,090) for one person and $7,877 (AU$12,180) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Adelaide expensive to visit?
Adelaide is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
While Adelaide can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $57 (AU$86) per day, mid-range travelers spend $134 (AU$203) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $289 (AU$436) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Adelaide.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Adelaide is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Noosa Heads or Darwin.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Adelaide Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Adelaide?
The average Adelaide trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Adelaide travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Adelaide cost?
Adelaide on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(AU$42)
|
$65
(AU$100)
|
$139
(AU$216)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(AU$12)
|
$18
(AU$28)
|
$42
(AU$64)
|
|
Food 2
|
$22
(AU$34)
|
$53
(AU$82)
|
$114
(AU$177)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(AU$9.06)
|
$13
(AU$21)
|
$26
(AU$40)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$5-14
(AU$7-22)
|
$11-33
(AU$17-51)
|
$22-66
(AU$34-102)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Adelaide without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
Adelaide on a Shoestring Budget?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $57 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Adelaide features plenty of hostels, including YHA Adelaide Central and Sunny's Adelaide Backpackers Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce. The city features a strong public transit system that helps budget travelers bypass expensive taxi or rideshare expenses.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Adelaide often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $134 per person, per day.
Adelaide offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. North Adelaide Boutique Stays Accommodation is an excellent choice, while The Franklin Boutique Hotel is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Adelaide.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $289 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the city, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Barossa Valley Private Luxury Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Adelaide
Hotel prices in Adelaide can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $97 up to around $181. From $69 for budget options to $267 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Adelaide for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $129 (AU$200). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (AU$100) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Adelaide? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Adelaide include:
- Bellevue Bed & Breakfast McLaren Vale starting at $149
- North Adelaide Boutique Stays Accommodation starting at $114
- Coast Motel & Apartments starting at $93
- The Franklin Boutique Hotel starting at $103
- Buxton Manor starting at $176
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the city in Adelaide thanks to a great public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
If you plan to avoid summer and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Walking is a common way to explore Adelaide, so look for a place right in the heart of the action. This might, however, come at a higher price.
Transportation Budget in Adelaide
Adelaide has a fantastic public transit system. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center. For a quick and affordable way to get around, public transit is your best bet. Taxis and rideshare services are also available throughout the city.
Anyone who likes to wander around on foot will appreciate their time here. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $18 (AU$28) per person, per day, on local transportation in Adelaide. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Adelaide is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
AU$28
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel for $66 details
- One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide for $246 details
- Adelaide Airport(ADL)to Adelaide city - Arrival Private Transfer for $38 details
How much does it cost to go to Adelaide? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Adelaide will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in Adelaide, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
Food Budget in Adelaide
The food in Adelaide is decent, though people don't specifically come here for the food. However, there are a few hidden gems in the city worth checking out. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Adelaide can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Adelaide is $53 (AU$82) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$53
AU$82
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Adelaide is around $54 (AU$82) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $117. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Adelaide are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $22
- Dinner: $16 to $38
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
In Adelaide you'll find a variety of restaurants along Gouger Street. Options include Asian, Italian, and seafood restaurants, among others. Weekends can be busy so reservations are recommended. Hutt Street also has a few excellent high end restaurants as well as several gourmet shops and supermarkets. Rundle Street is where you'll find many cafes and a few other dining options.
In North Adelaide there is an interesting mix of restaurants along Melbourne Street. There are also some affordable take out options as well as pubs, cafes, and bakeries.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Adelaide, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Four Hours Cooking Class in Adelaide Hills for $122 details
- Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide for $77 details
- HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option for $29 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Adelaide
The reason people visit Adelaide is clear, as it offers beaches, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Adelaide typically cost an average of $13 (AU$21) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$13
AU$21
If you're looking for a good view of the city, then head to Montefiore Hill or Adelaide Hills, particularly at night. Other places worth visiting include Adelaide Oval, Port Adelaide, or North Terrace, which has many museums and shops that are worth visiting. Hahndorf is a German settlement that is just a short drive away. There you will find a chocolate factory, the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm, and picnic areas.
Within Adelaide some of the more interesting museums include the Migration Museum, the South Austalian Museum, Port Adelaide Train Museum, Gawler Museum, the South Austalian Meritime Museum, and the National Motor Museum. Churches in the city include Holy Trinity Church, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, St. Patrick's Church, and St. Peter's Cathedral.
Nearby national parks include Belair National Park, Cleland Conservation Park, and Morialta Conservation Park.
A great time to visit Adelaide is during the festival season, referred to as "Mad March." During this time you'll have the opportunity to go to any number of festivals, including the Adelaide Fringe, the Clipsal 500 Car race, the Adelaide Festival, WOMADdelaide, The Adelaide Cup horseracing carnival and the touring Soudwave and Future Music Festivals.
Otherwise, there are plenty of other activities and things to do in Adelaide.
Beaches:
Visitors to Adelaide often come to enjoy a laid-back day at the beach. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an enjoyable experience. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Adelaide. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Full Day Kayaking Tour in Coorong National Park for $105 details
- Hahndorf food and wine E-Bike Tour for $155 details
- Adelaide Hills Day Tour. Winery Cellar Doors for $145 details
Nightlife Budget in Adelaide
If you're looking for nightlife, Adelaide has some options, but it's less active than in other more popular locales. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $22 (AU$34) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Adelaide per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$22
AU$34
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Adelaide. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Private Wine Tours McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills for $145 details
- Micro-Group McLaren Vale Wine Tour from Adelaide for $230 details
- McLaren Vale Private Wine Tour for $230 details
Traveling in Adelaide
Rundle Mall, Adelaide (South Australian Tourism Commission)
Adelaide is the often overlooked capital city of the State of South Australia. It's also the fifth largest city in the country. Despite being skipped by most travelers, Adelaide is an interesting city to explore and has a decent amount to offer open minded travelers. It has some fascinating architecture, unique shopping, and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Part of the appeal of Adelaide is its location in the midst of Australia's wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Clare Valley. Any of these destinations could be visited as a day trip from Adelaide.
Adelaide has a hot summer Mediterranean climate. The summers and dry and hot and the winters are mild, although the wind may make the temperatures feel cooler than they are. Most of the city's rain falls during the winter months, although there may be infrequent, light showers during the summer months. Hail is also common during the winter season.
Neighborhoods & Around
Adelaide's city center is one square mile in size. It's where you'll find the majority of the tourist attractions including interesting architecture and some great museums. North Adelaide has many of the city's older stately homes. There is also fine dining and parks in the area. Port Adelaide has a good number of pubs. There are also Port River cruises that leave from here. Glenelg is the area's most popular beach destination. There is also plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in the area. Also within an hour's drive of Adelaide are some of the country's best wineries.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.