Is United States or Australia easier to get a tourist visa for?

United States asks for less money in the bank and Australia decides faster. Approval depends more on clean documents than on the destination; both refuse mainly for inconsistent funds and weak ties.

Can I apply for United States and Australia at the same time?

Yes for e-visas, since no passport is held. If either is a sticker visa the passport is with that consulate, so sequence the sticker application first or use the second passport option where your country allows one.

Which is better value, United States or Australia?

United States is cheaper per traveller, but value depends on validity: United States is valid 10 years and Australia 12 months. A longer, multiple-entry visa costs less per trip.

Where do these figures come from?

Government fees, processing windows and funds figures are taken from the official United States and Australia sources cited on each destination page and re-checked when the authorities publish changes.

All comparisons

United States vs Australia: tourist visa

United States or Australia for a tourist visa? Side by side: $254 vs $377 all-in, Varies by post vs About 30 days decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.

Verdict

United States is cheaper ($254 vs $377 all-in)
Australia decides faster (About 30 days)
United States asks for less money in the bank ($3,000 vs $3,500)

United States vs Australia: tourist visa side by side

	United States	Australia
Visa format	Sticker	E-visa
Process	embassy visa	e-visa
Biometrics	Required	No
Interview	Yes	No
Government fee	$185	$178
vistolane filing fee	$69	$199
All-in per traveller	$254	$377
Decision window	Varies by post	About 30 days
Validity	10 years	12 months
Stay	Up to 6 months per visit	Up to 3 months per visit
Entries	Multiple	Multiple
Funds to show (tourist visa)	$3,000	$3,500
tourist visa route	B1/B2 Visitor	Visitor 600

Which is cheaper?

United States costs $254 all-in ($185 government fee plus $69 filing) and Australia costs $377 ($178 plus $199). United States is cheaper by $123 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.

Which is faster?

United States: Varies by post (Interview waits of several months at busy posts). Australia: About 30 days (Visitor (600): 75% within about 30 days). United States depends on interview availability, which can add weeks at busy posts. vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.

Which needs less money in the bank?

United States asks for about $3,000 and Australia about $3,500 for a tourist visa. United States is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.

How the processes differ

United States: embassy visa with biometrics. Australia: e-visa. An e-visa needs no appointment; a sticker visa holds your passport for the decision window; an embassy visa adds an interview and a decision at the window.

Which should you pick for a tourist visa?

For a short trip, weigh speed and entries: Australia decides in About 30 days. If you are choosing purely on cost, United States wins.