Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Bordeaux?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bordeaux or Cape Town?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bordeaux or Cape Town? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Bordeaux or Cape Town?
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBordeaux €118Cape Town €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Bordeaux is €118, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is €91. 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 Bordeaux and Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBordeaux €63Cape Town €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBordeaux €126Cape Town €72
Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Bordeaux or Cape Town? 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.
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: Bordeaux Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bordeaux €15Cape Town €16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:
- Transferts Airport, Hotel, Station and others places Arcachon, Saint-Emilion on request: $120
- Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $97
- Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $87
- Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
- Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Bordeaux from Bordeaux Airport: $165
- Private One way Transfer Bordeaux Airport to or from Bordeaux: $60
- Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
- Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Business Car: $103
- Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
- Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
- Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Car: $137
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
- Airport transfers: $22
- 1 Day Durbanville Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Transfers: $179
- 1 Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local with Private Guided Transfer: $149
- 1 Day Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $204
- 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $54
- AIRPORT Transfer to and from Cape Town City: $28
- Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $18
- Airport Transfer (Cape Town): $54
- Airport Transfer to Cape Town Cruise Terminal: $17
- Airport Transfer: Cape Town to Cape Town Airport CPT in Luxury Car: $88
- Airport Transfers: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Bordeaux 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
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Food Meals for one dayBordeaux €45Cape Town €39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.
- No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $64
- Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $64
- NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $65
- 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $74
- Sweet Specialties Tasting Bakeries Food Tour: $82
- Bordeaux Bakery Food Tour - Boulangeries and Pâtisseries : $84
- Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour by a local guide: $85
- Bordeaux Organic Food Tour - French Apéro Style: $93
- Bordeaux : unforgettable Food Tour by a local guide: $96
- Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $96
- Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $107
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $70
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- South African Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family: $82
- Private Authentic Cape Malay Cooking Class in Manenberg with Locals: $92
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bordeaux €7.89Cape Town €21
Tours and Activities in Bordeaux
Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Bordeaux by bicycle: a 3-hour tour immersive experience": $39
- "Explore Saint-Émilion on e-Bikes: Small Group, Full-Day Tour": $197
- 1-Hour Bordeaux Electric Scooter Tour: $27
- 2 hours - Bordeaux Private tour with a native guide: $164
- 2-Hour Bordeaux Electric Scooter Tour: $49
- 4 Hours Gastronomic Tour in Bordeaux the Sandwiches of the World: $64
- Afternoon culinary tour in Bordeaux: $78
- Aperitive guided cruise « Wine and Canelé »: $20
- Blind Tasting: 5 Bordeaux Natural Wine + Cheese experience: $54
- Bordeaux - Private Historic Walking Tour: $462
- Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.14
- Bordeaux : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $75
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
- District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
- Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.59
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.14
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.38
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.38
- Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
- Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Return Ticket : $5.32
- Intaka Island Kayak Tour: $5.40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBordeaux €26Cape Town €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux
Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
- Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $11
- Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
- Wine Tasting Cruise: $23
- Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $24
- Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
- Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $29
- Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
- Unusual wine tasting in DARWIN (Bordeaux)!: $31
- Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $32
- Chateau du Taillan and Park including Wine Tasting Tour: $44
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.17
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.66
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $28
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- From CapeTown: Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour: $52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Cape Town, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bordeaux is in Europe and Cape Town is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cape Town would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Town 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux than you might in Cape Town.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bordeaux Expensive? and Is Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Cape Town?
Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Cape Town, 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 Bordeaux or Cape Town?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Bordeaux has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Bordeaux or Cape Town in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Cape Town. The summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Cape Town in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. In the summer, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin January. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun.
Bordeaux usually gets more rain in July than Cape Townin January. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBordeaux 21°C (69°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Bordeaux or Cape Town in the Autumn?
Both Cape Town and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.
In the autumn, Bordeaux is cooler than Cape Town. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Cape Town averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Cape Town. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during autumn. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Cape Townin April. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBordeaux 14°C (58°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Bordeaux or Cape Town in the Winter?
Both Cape Town and Bordeaux during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Bordeaux is generally much colder than Cape Townin July. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin July. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually gets more rain in January than Cape Townin July. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBordeaux 6°C (43°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Bordeaux or Cape Town in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Cape Town. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Bordeaux is cooler than Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during spring. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Cape Townin October. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBordeaux 12°C (53°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Bordeaux
| Bordeaux | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (45°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
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.