A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Birmingham vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Birmingham or Montpellier?

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 Birmingham and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Birmingham and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Birmingham than Montpellier. Birmingham is bigger than Montpellier, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Birmingham is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere, while Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Also, Birmingham is famous for Victoria Square. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Birmingham different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Birmingham or Montpellier?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Birmingham or Montpellier.

Many visitors head to Birmingham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.


Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Birmingham is a great destination for its shows and theatre. However, Montpellier is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Montpellier is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Birmingham or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Montpellier can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Birmingham is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Birmingham know how to have a good time. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.


Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for Music?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Montpellier is not a live music destination.

In Birmingham you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Montpellier?

Birmingham
Montpellier

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Montpellier both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Birmingham. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for Families?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Birmingham is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Birmingham is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Both Birmingham and Montpellier are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Birmingham is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.


Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.

Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for Students?

Birmingham
Montpellier

For students, both Birmingham and Montpellier are first-rate places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Montpellier is a great destination for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Is Birmingham or Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Birmingham has a few public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.


Is Birmingham or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Montpellier

Birmingham and Montpellier are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Birmingham is very walkable. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

Montpellier is a very walkable city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Birmingham and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than in Montpellier. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Birmingham 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 Montpellier.


  • How many days in Birmingham or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Birmingham or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling city of Birmingham. Most people visit for the live music. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the historic destination of Birmingham. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Birmingham or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic city of Birmingham. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Birmingham. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Birmingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Birmingham is £133, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is £101. 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 Birmingham and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Montpellier £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Montpellier £118
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Montpellier? 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 Birmingham


Hotels in Montpellier


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: Birmingham Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Montpellier £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Birmingham 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
    Birmingham £38
    Montpellier £26
Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

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


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

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

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Montpellier £10

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

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

  • On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury: $6.99
  • Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: House and Garden Admission Ticket : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • City Center Walking Tour (10:30am & 5:00pm): $15
  • Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road : $15
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour: $17
  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Montpellier £13

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

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

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


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

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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Montpellier?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Montpellier, 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 Birmingham or Montpellier?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Birmingham or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Montpellier. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Birmingham is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Birmingham is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

The weather in Birmingham can be very cold. In the winter, Birmingham is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Montpellier. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Birmingham is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Birmingham

Birmingham Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)