Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Braga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Braga or Carcassonne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Braga or Carcassonne? 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: Braga or Carcassonne?
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBraga €112Carcassonne €106
The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is €106. 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 Braga and Carcassonne in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBraga €54Carcassonne €61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBraga €108Carcassonne €122
Compare Hotels in Braga and Carcassonne
Looking for a hotel in Braga or Carcassonne? 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: Braga Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Braga €20Carcassonne €7.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131
- Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Carcassonne?
Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Braga 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 dayBraga €40Carcassonne €39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Braga €16Carcassonne €14
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- KAYAK TOUR I Going down the Lima River in Kayak | AV: $66
- 1h Buggy Tour | Arches of Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $76
- 2h Buggy Tour | Arcos de Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $131
- 4X4 Tour – Minho Litoral - Beaches and Mountains between Viana do Castelo and Caminha: $82
- 4X4 Tour - Discovering Serra d´ Arga: $175
- Alto Douro Walk & WineTour: $197
- TOUR HD BRAGA MERCEDES V EXT LONG: $225
- TOUR HD BRAGA SEDAN: $198
- Barcelos, Braga & Guimarães Tour: $109
- Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour: $321
- Braga Private Walking Tour: $254
- Braga Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $216
Tours and Activities in Carcassonne
For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
- Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
- A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
- Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
- Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
- Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
- Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
- Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
- Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
- Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
- Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBraga €21Carcassonne €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
- Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
- Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
- Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535
Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:
- Wine tour Cathar country: $471
When comparing the travel costs between Braga and Carcassonne, we can see that Braga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Braga Expensive? and Is Carcassonne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Braga or Carcassonne?
Braga has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Braga and Carcassonne, 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 Braga or Carcassonne?
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 Braga or Carcassonne in the Summer?
Both Carcassonne and Braga during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Braga is cooler than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Braga in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).
In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Braga. In the summer, Braga often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.
Braga usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Carcassonne. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBraga 21°C (69°F)Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Braga or Carcassonne in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Carcassonne. Also, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.
In October, Braga is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 17°C (62°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Braga usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Braga usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBraga 17°C (62°F)Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Braga or Carcassonne in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Braga as well as Carcassonne. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine.
Braga is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Braga often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.
Braga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Braga usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBraga 10°C (50°F)Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Braga or Carcassonne in the Spring?
Both Carcassonne and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Braga is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Braga in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Braga. In April, Braga usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBraga 14°C (56°F)Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Braga
| Braga | Carcassonne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.