Which place is cheaper, Pisa or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Pisa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Pisa? 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 Pisa?
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.
Pisa
Located in Tuscany, Pisa is most famous for its Leaning Tower. The city has a population of about 100,000 people and there are a surprising number of impressive sights that you might miss if you simply pass through to see the tower. There are many architectural and artistic sights that make the city noteworthy as well. The atmosphere of Pisa is also influenced by its university. Of the 100,000 person population, about 60,000 are students. The students bring the city to life with many parties, shows, and interesting cultural events. They stay active into the night and entertainment options are not limited. The student presence is most obvious once you're outside of the touristy Campo dei Miracoli.
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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Pisa €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Pisa is €120. 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 Pisa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Pisa €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Pisa €120
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Pisa
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Pisa? 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 Pisa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Pisa €11
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 Pisa
Also for Pisa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Pisa to Siena with stop in San Gimignano for lunch: $273
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard from Pisa with Transfer: $97
- Private Transfer: Pisa city to Pisa Airport PSA in Luxury Van: $85
- Private Transfer: Pisa Airport PSA to Pisa city in Luxury Van: $85
- Private Transfer from Pisa city hotels to Livorno Cruise Port: $91
- Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence Hotels: $202
- Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence City centre: $291
- Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA) to La Spezia Cruise Port: $92
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Volterra: $229
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Viareggio: $136
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Vecchiano: $69
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to San Giuliano Terme: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Pisa?
Prices for flights to both Pisa 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 €48Pisa €50
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 Pisa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:
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Dinner€75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa
For Pisa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $39
- Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
- Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
- Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
- Pisa Food Tour: $95
- Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
- Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
- Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $521
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Pisa €20
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 Pisa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.
- Skip-the-Line Best of Pisa and Leaning Tower Guided Tour for Kids and Families: $273
- 2-Day Tour: Pisa, Cinque Terre & Tuscany: $320
- 2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of Pisa Off The Beaten Path: $27
- Adventure in Pisa + Tower Admission: $182
- Best of Pisa Guided Walking Tour with Leaning Tower Entry Ticket: $53
- Best of Small group tour with admission tickets: $57
- Bocelli Chianti Hills E-Bike Guided Tour + Wine Food Tasting: $157
- Carrara Marble Quarries Tour by Land Rover: $82
- Carrara Marble Quarry Tour with Food Tasting: $97
- Carrara: Exclusive Marble Cave Tour Adventure in a 4x4: $82
- Cinque Terre tour in Small Group from Pisa: $184
- Discovering Pisa in Christmas Time – Walking Tour: $443
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Pisa -
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 Pisa
Also in Pisa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
- Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
- Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
- From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
- Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
- Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
- Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
- Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $663
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Pisa, we can see that Pisa 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 Pisa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pisa 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 Pisa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Pisa?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Pisa, 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 Pisa?
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 Pisa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Pisa. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.
In July, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Pisa. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Pisa. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Pisa 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Pisa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Pisa. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Coimbra is around the same temperature as Pisa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Coimbra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pisa. Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Pisa 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Pisa in the Winter?
Both Pisa and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Coimbra is much warmer than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Pisa. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Pisa 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Pisa in the Spring?
Both Pisa and Coimbra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.
Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Coimbra usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Pisa 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Pisa and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Pisa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.