A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Como for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Como?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Como? 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 Como?

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.

Como

At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.

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


Which place is cheaper, Como or Coimbra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Como is €214. 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 Como in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Como 146
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Como 292
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Como

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Como? 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 Coimbra


Hotels in Como


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 Como Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Como 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

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

  • Private transfer from Mandello del Lario or Abbadia Lariana: $76
  • Private transfer from Lenno or Argegno or Ossuccio: $147
  • Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $236
  • Private Transfer from Lezzeno or Pognana Lario or Faggeto Lario: $169
  • Private Transfer from Como to Milan hotels: $53
  • Private Transfer From Lecco or Malgrate: $65
  • Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $207
  • Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $243
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $275
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $306
  • From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $336
  • From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $193

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Como?

Prices for flights to both Como 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Coimbra 48
    Como 60

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como

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

  • COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $45
  • Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling: $49
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $108
  • Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $131
  • Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $139
  • Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $160
  • Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $160
  • Pizza Training Experience. Como Area: $163
  • Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $163
  • Private Market Tour & Lunch or Dinner with a Local: $171
  • Como Food Tour: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Como -

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 Como

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

  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco: $131
  • 1 Hour Boat Tour of Lake Como from Bellagio: $43
  • 1 or 2 Hours Private Boat Tour on Lake villas and more: $374
  • 1 or 2 hours Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with Prosecco: $374
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $179
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $182
  • 2 hours Private Boat Tour Como Lake: $933
  • 2 hours Private and Exclusive Clay sculpture Art experience : $294
  • 2 hours Private boat tour on lake of Como: $909
  • 2h Boat Tour with Classic Venetian Limousine in Menaggio: $734
  • 3 Hour Private Kayaking Experience on Lake Como: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Como -

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 Como

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:

  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $60
  • Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $70
  • Lake Food and Wine tour in Colico: $114
  • Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $135
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $185
  • Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $196


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como than you might in Coimbra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Coimbra Expensive? and Is Como Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Como?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Como. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Como 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Coimbra is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Como. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Como. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Como 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Como. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. In January, Coimbra is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 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 Como. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Como 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Como. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Como. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Como. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Como 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Como and Coimbra

Coimbra Como
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)