A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cagliari vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cagliari 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 Cagliari and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a historic, under-rated, and laid back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cagliari and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Cagliari or Montpellier?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cagliari than Montpellier. While Montpellier is larger than Cagliari, Cagliari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cagliari is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Montpellier is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Cagliari different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cagliari
Montpellier

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cagliari and Montpellier.

Many visitors head to Cagliari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

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

Cagliari
Montpellier

Cagliari is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cagliari is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Cagliari or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari
Montpellier

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

The people in Cagliari know how to have a good time. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

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 Cagliari or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Cagliari
Montpellier

Cagliari and Montpellier are high quality choices for a beach vacation.

Cagliari is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. 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.


Is Cagliari or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari
Montpellier

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to see the historical old town. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Montpellier?

Cagliari
Montpellier

Montpellier is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to go shopping. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Is Cagliari or Montpellier Better for Families?

Cagliari
Montpellier

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

Cagliari is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

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 Cagliari or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Cagliari
Montpellier

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

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Cagliari or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari
Montpellier

Montpellier is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Cagliari or Montpellier Better for Students?

Cagliari
Montpellier

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. 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.

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.


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

Cagliari
Montpellier

Montpellier is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you around easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

You'll find some public transit in Cagliari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Cagliari or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Cagliari
Montpellier

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

Cagliari is a very walkable city. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. 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 Cagliari Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cagliari and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Cagliari. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Cagliari. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Montpellier that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cagliari 1-3 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Cagliari or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Cagliari. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Cagliari or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxed destination of Cagliari. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Montpellier 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cagliari or Montpellier?

The historic city of Cagliari offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cagliari or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cagliari. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Cagliari?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cagliari is €120, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Cagliari and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cagliari 66
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cagliari 132
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Cagliari and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Cagliari 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 Cagliari


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: Cagliari Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cagliari 31
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cagliari

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

  • Cagliari Elmas Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Cagliari: $65
  • Private Transfer Cagliari airport City - Orosei city Marina: $513
  • Private Transfer from Cagliari hotels to Cagliari Cruise Port: $26
  • Transfer / taxi Cagliari Airport - Cagliari city: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cagliari or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Cagliari 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
    Cagliari 35
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cagliari

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

  • Sardinia Cooking Class: Fresh Handmade Pasta: $75
  • Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $80
  • Homemade fresh pasta cooking: $82
  • Sardinia Traditional Food Tour: $87
  • Sardinian Cooking Class with Meal and Drinks: $96
  • Traditional Sardinian Lunch and Cooking Class In Cagliari: $116
  • Romantic sunset dinner experience with private chef: $159

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.
    Cagliari 17
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Cagliari

For Cagliari, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Train ticket to travel between airport and city: $1.59
  • Pinuccio Sciola Museum: Giardino Sonoro Guided Tour: $8.56
  • Conti Vecchi Salt Flats Train and Tour: $13
  • Museum of Nuragic Civilization Entry Ticket: $19
  • Walking Tour of the Old City: $21
  • Climbing Experience beneath the ancient walls: $26
  • Underground Cagliari Walking Tour: $27
  • Nocturne Karalis, night tour in Cagliari: $27
  • walking tour through the alleys of Castello: $30
  • Sardinia Escape Experience: Be a detective on the road: $32
  • Cagliari sunset tour with aperitif - Lighthouse Capo S.Elia: $37
  • 2 hours sightseeing tour by e-bike: $37

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
    Cagliari 7.57
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cagliari

Also in Cagliari, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Artisanal Food and Wine Tasting Experience: $48
  • WINE TOUR with sommelier in a winery near Cagliari: $66
  • Small-Group Food and Wine Tour from Cagliari: $98
  • Wine Tour Sardinia: $107
  • Wine tour aroud vineyards of Cagliari : $109
  • Wine Tasting & Winery Tour: $266
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting with Lunch: $641

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 comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Montpellier, we can see that Cagliari 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 Cagliari Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari 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 Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Cagliari during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cagliari in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cagliari. In the summer, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cagliari 24°C (75°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cagliari or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Montpellier. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 18°C (65°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cagliari 18°C (65°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cagliari or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Montpellier. The winter months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Cagliari is a little warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cagliari 10°C (50°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Cagliari or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cagliari 14°C (57°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Cagliari

Cagliari Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 10°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 24°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)