Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Carcassonne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra 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: Coimbra or Carcassonne?
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Carcassonne €106
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, 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 Coimbra and Carcassonne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Carcassonne €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Carcassonne €122
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Carcassonne
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra 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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Carcassonne €7.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Carcassonne?
Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Coimbra 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 dayCoimbra €48Carcassonne €39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Carcassonne €14
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $199
- A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $120
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $70
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $131
- Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $76
- Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $134
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $254
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
Tours and Activities in Carcassonne
For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
- Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
- Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
- Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
- Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Fortress Walking Tour: $171
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
- Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
- Photoshoot Experience: $160
- Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Carcassonne €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27
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 Coimbra and Carcassonne, we can see that Carcassonne 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 Coimbra Expensive? and Is Carcassonne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Carcassonne?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Carcassonne?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Coimbra or Carcassonne in the Summer?
Both Carcassonne and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coimbra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Carcassonne in the Autumn?
Both Carcassonne and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.
In October, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 18°C (65°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets more rain in October than Carcassonne. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Carcassonne in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Carcassonne. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine.
Coimbra is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.
Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Carcassonne in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Carcassonne. Additionally, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coimbra in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.
Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Carcassonne. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Carcassonne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.