A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Braga vs. Saint-Etienne for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Braga or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Braga or Saint-Etienne? 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 Saint-Etienne?

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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne (Saint Stephen), a city southwest of Lyon, is drawing on its Industrial Revolution origins and its history of arms, bicycle, textile and ribbon production, to reinvent itself as design city. And the change is noticeable. After almost 30 years of decline, the city is now looking optimistically towards the future. Its center and suburbs are smartening up at a rapid pace. There are plenty of good surprises, including two great museums and a great eating scene.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne or Braga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, while the average daily cost in Saint-Etienne is €108. 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 Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Braga 54
    Saint-Etienne 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Braga 108
    Saint-Etienne 92
Compare Hotels in Braga and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Braga or Saint-Etienne? 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 Braga


Hotels in Saint-Etienne


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Braga 20
    Saint-Etienne 44

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 Saint-Etienne?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne 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 day
    Braga 40
    Saint-Etienne 34

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 16
    Saint-Etienne 25

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Braga 21
    Saint-Etienne 10

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


When comparing the travel costs between Braga and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Braga or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Braga and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Braga as well as Saint-Etienne. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Braga is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 21°C (69°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In the summer, Braga often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Braga usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Braga 21°C (69°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Braga or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Braga is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Braga usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Braga. In October, Braga usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Braga 17°C (62°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Braga or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Braga during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. In the winter, Braga is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Braga in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Braga often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Braga 10°C (50°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Braga or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Saint-Etienne. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Braga is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 14°C (56°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Braga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Braga usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Braga usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Braga 14°C (56°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Braga

Braga Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)