Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Marseille?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Marseille? 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 Marseille?
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.
Marseille
Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.
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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Marseille €148
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Marseille is €148. 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 Marseille in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Marseille €71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Marseille €142
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Marseille
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Marseille? 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 Marseille Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Marseille €28
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:
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Metro Pass€3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille
Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfert aéroport de Marseille -> Marseille centre/hôtels: $192
- Transfert Aéroport Marseille vers : $225
- Transfer from Marseille Provence Airport to Toulon Cruise Port: $117
- Transfer from Marseille Airport to Train Station / Ports / Hotels: $164
- Transfer between Marseille airport and Marseille city: $84
- Transfer Marseille city center to Marseille Airport: $87
- Transfer Marseille Airport to Marseille city center: $89
- Transfer : $84
- Taxi aéroport Marseille cassis transfer port Cruise: $150
- Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $279
- Private transfer by car: Marseille airport to / from Cassis-La Ciotat: $184
- Private transfer by car: Marseille airport from or to Avignon: $218
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Marseille?
Prices for flights to both Marseille 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 €48Marseille €42
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
Typical Food Prices in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orangina€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
- No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
- Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
- Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
- Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
- Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
- Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
- Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
- Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
- Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
- Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
- Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Marseille €38
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 Marseille
For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
- 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
- 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $67
- A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $180
- Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $642
- All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $144
- Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
- Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $93
- Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Tour: $50
- Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
- Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $65
- Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Marseille €27
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 Marseille
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:
- Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
- Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
- Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
- New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
- Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
- Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
- Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
- Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
- Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
- Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Marseille, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Marseille?
Marseille has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Marseille, 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 Marseille?
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 Marseille in the Summer?
Both Marseille and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Coimbra is around the same temperature as Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Marseille 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Marseille in the Autumn?
Both Marseille and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Coimbra is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Coimbra often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets more rain in October than Marseille. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Marseille 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Marseille in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Marseille. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Coimbra is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Coimbra usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 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 Marseille. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Marseille 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Marseille in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Marseille. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.
Coimbra is a little warmer than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In the spring, Coimbra often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.
Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Marseille 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Marseille and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Marseille | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.