Which place is cheaper, Porto or Cardiff?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Cardiff or Porto? 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.
Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming 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 nightlife, shopping, and museums.
Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Porto and Cardiff. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Porto is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
Porto offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.
Porto is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.
For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.
Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.
Porto is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
The people in Porto know how to have a good time. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.
Porto is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.
Cardiff does not have a historic old town.
Shopping is a popular activity in both Porto and Cardiff.
Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.
Porto has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.
Porto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.
Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.
Porto is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.
Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.
Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.
Porto is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.
Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
Porto is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.
It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.
Porto is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.
The public transit in Porto can get you around easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.
Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.
Porto is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.
Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.
For even more information, also check out Is Cardiff Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.
In either Cardiff or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Cardiff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.
Families should spend more time in Porto than Cardiff. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Porto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Porto than Cardiff. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Porto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Cardiff 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 Porto.
In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this green destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.
Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the industrial destination of Cardiff. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is £156, while the average daily cost in Porto 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 Cardiff and Porto in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Porto? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:
Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Porto and Cardiff 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.
For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.
Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Porto, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Porto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Porto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Porto 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Porto.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cardiff Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.
Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Porto, 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.
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.
Both Porto and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cardiff is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Porto. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.
Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Porto. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Porto. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Cardiff is cooler than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Porto during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Porto. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Porto. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cardiff is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Porto. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Porto. Cardiff usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Porto and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Cardiff is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Porto. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Porto during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Porto. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Cardiff | Porto | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
Apr | 9°C (48°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
May | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
Dec | 5°C (40°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |