A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auxerre vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Auxerre or Milan?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auxerre and Milan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auxerre and Milan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Auxerre or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan. Although Auxerre and Milan are popular destinations, Milan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milan is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Milan is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Auxerre different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auxerre or Milan?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Milan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.


Is the Food Better in Auxerre or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Milan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Auxerre or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Auxerre or Milan Better for Music?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Auxerre is not a live music destination.

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Auxerre is not a live music destination.


Is Auxerre or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Milan?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Milan Better for Families?

Auxerre
Milan

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Auxerre or Milan.

Auxerre offers lots of family activities. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.


Is Auxerre or Milan Better for Couples?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Milan is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Auxerre or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Auxerre or Milan Better for Students?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Auxerre is not popular with students.


Is Auxerre or Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Auxerre or Milan a more walkable city?

Auxerre
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Auxerre Worth Visiting? and Is Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Milan?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Auxerre 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 Milan.


  • How many days in Auxerre or Milan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Auxerre 1-2 
    Milan 1-5

One day in Auxerre or Milan?

In Auxerre, many people enjoy the food and museums that this authentic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Auxerre or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer.

Five days in Auxerre or Milan?

Auxerre is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Auxerre. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Auxerre or Milan?

You'll find museums and food around the authentic destination of Auxerre. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Milan or Auxerre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Auxerre is €113, while the average daily cost in Milan is €166. 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 Auxerre and Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auxerre 51
    Milan 96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auxerre 102
    Milan 192
Compare Hotels in Auxerre and Milan

Looking for a hotel in Auxerre or Milan? 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.

Hotels in Auxerre


Hotels in Milan


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Auxerre Hotel Prices and Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auxerre 46
    Milan 35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:


  • Train to Airport
    7.00
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    22
  • Taxi From Airport
    90
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    4.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    7.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Malpensa Airport (MXP):1-Way Transfer to Trieste Cruise Port: $2,111
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Venice: $1,529
  • Private Transfer to/from Siena and Center of Milan: $1,310
  • Nyon: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $1,016
  • Basel : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $1,016
  • Interlaken : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $962
  • SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM TÄSCH/ZERMATT TO AIRPORT MALPENSA: $866
  • Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $856
  • Montreux : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $802
  • Grindelwald: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $802
  • Lousanne : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $781
  • Bern : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $738

Is it cheaper to fly into Auxerre or Milan?

Prices for flights to both Milan and Auxerre 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Auxerre 34
    Milan 39

Typical Food Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:


  • Snack at Train Station
    8.60
  • Restaurant Pizza
    6.60
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    27
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    64
  • Cappuccino
    1.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
  • Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
  • Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
  • Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
  • Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auxerre 18
    Milan 31

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Auxerre.

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92

Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan

For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Milan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.

  • Lake Como trekking private guided tour, from Milan or Como: $174
  • Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
  • Milan Urban Wonders Small Group Tour: $53
  • Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
  • Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.53
  • "Milano Style: Your Italian Fashion Experience": $164
  • 1 hour Italian Food Experiences in Milan: $39
  • 1.5-hour The Last Supper and Church of San Maurizio tour in Milan - small group: $85
  • 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $125
  • 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $156
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Milan by Electric Scooter: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auxerre 6.14
    Milan 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273

Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    8.40
  • Beer
    3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
  • Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
  • Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
  • Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
  • Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
  • Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
  • Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
  • Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auxerre and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Auxerre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Auxerre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auxerre 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan than you might in Auxerre.

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


Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre and Milan, 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 Auxerre or Milan?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Auxerre or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Auxerre are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Auxerre is cooler than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auxerre. Auxerre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during summer. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Milan. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F) 
    Milan 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Auxerre during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Auxerre is cooler than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auxerre in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Milan. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auxerre usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F) 
    Milan 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Milan. Most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Milan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milan can be very cold. Auxerre can be very cold during winter. In January, Auxerre is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 3°C (37°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Auxerre gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Milan. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F) 
    Milan 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Milan. The spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

Auxerre is cooler than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Auxerre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F) 
    Milan 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Milan and Auxerre

Auxerre Milan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)