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

Should you visit Birmingham or Toulouse?

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 Toulouse can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a fun-filled, bustling, and historic city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Toulouse?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Toulouse than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Toulouse, Toulouse has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Toulouse is better known for its food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is more popular for its theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Birmingham is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. Also, Toulouse is famous for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Birmingham different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toulouse 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 Toulouse?

Birmingham
Toulouse

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Birmingham or Toulouse.

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 Toulouse can be an interesting and educational experience. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.


Is Birmingham or Toulouse Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Toulouse

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

Birmingham attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Toulouse is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Toulouse

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

Toulouse has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Birmingham or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Toulouse

The vibe at night is superb in both Birmingham and Toulouse.

Many people head to Birmingham for the nightlife scene. 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.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.


Is Birmingham or Toulouse Better for Music?

Birmingham
Toulouse

Birmingham is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Birmingham has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Birmingham
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Toulouse?

Birmingham
Toulouse

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Toulouse both offer plenty of superb 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.

Toulouse is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.


Is Birmingham or Toulouse Better for Families?

Birmingham
Toulouse

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Toulouse.

Birmingham is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Toulouse is a very kid-friendly city. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Birmingham or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Toulouse

Both Birmingham and Toulouse are superb 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.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Birmingham or Toulouse Better for Students?

Birmingham
Toulouse

Birmingham is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Birmingham is a very popular city for students. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.


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

Birmingham
Toulouse

Birmingham and Toulouse both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Birmingham offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Birmingham or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Toulouse

Birmingham and Toulouse are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Toulouse is a very walkable city. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Birmingham or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Birmingham due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

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


  • How many days in Birmingham or Toulouse? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Toulouse 2-4

One day in Birmingham or Toulouse?

The city of Birmingham offers shopping and museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the dynamic city of Toulouse, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Birmingham or Toulouse?

Birmingham 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Toulouse, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Birmingham or Toulouse?

Birmingham is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Toulouse, 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 Toulouse?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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.

Toulouse is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulouse 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 Toulouse is £107. 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 Toulouse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Toulouse £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Toulouse £114
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Toulouse

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Toulouse? 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 Toulouse


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 Toulouse Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Toulouse £35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

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

  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $240
  • Private transfer your alternative to taxi for your travels: $93
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $92
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $87
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $67
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $66
  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $53
  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Toulouse?

Prices for flights to both Toulouse 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
    Toulouse £29
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 Toulouse

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

  • No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse !: $52
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $76
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $105
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Toulouse £13

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

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

  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
  • Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
  • Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
  • Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
  • Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
  • Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

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

  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $16
  • Day Trip to Carcassonne Cite Medievale and Comtale Castle Tour from Toulouse: $35
  • Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Toulouse with Official Tour Guide: $255
  • Private tour of Toulouse in an electric Tuk Tuk: $66
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Toulouse : Must-see Walking Tour: $80
  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.13
  • Toulouse : Walking tour with audio guide: $5.29
  • Toulouse E Bike Tour: $49
  • Toulouse E-Bike Tour: $48
  • Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef: $118
  • Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef (in English): $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Toulouse £6.42

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 Toulouse

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

  • Pub Crawl Toulouse: $20
  • From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting: $530


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Toulouse, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Toulouse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulouse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulouse 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 Toulouse.

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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Toulouse?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse?

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 Birmingham or Toulouse in the Summer?

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

In July, Birmingham is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulouse. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Toulouse in the Autumn?

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

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

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Toulouse. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Birmingham or Toulouse in the Winter?

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

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Birmingham is much colder than Toulouse. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Toulouse averages at about 6°C (44°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Toulouse. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In April, Birmingham is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Toulouse. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Birmingham

Birmingham Toulouse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)