Should you visit Faro or Coimbra?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Coimbra, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Coimbra or Faro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €130, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €82. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Faro and Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Faro can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is €59, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around €118.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about €70 in Coimbra For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
Faro food costs typically run travelers around €41 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
Food in Coimbra costs travelers about €38 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
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Food
Meals for one day
Faro €41
Coimbra €38
Local Transportation
To get around in Faro, the average visitor spends €6.90 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
Coimbra's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €8.58 per person, per day on transportation in Coimbra.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Transfer to Lisbon from Algarve:
$246
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Transfer from Faro airport to Zambujeira do Mar:
$228
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Transfer from Faro airport to Vilamoura or Quarteira:
$37
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Transfer from Faro airport to Vale do Lobo or Quinta do Lago:
$37
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Transfer from Faro airport to Tavira:
$56
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Transfer from Faro airport to Porches:
$62
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Transfer from Faro airport to Ponta Grande Resort:
$44
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Transfer from Faro airport to Paraiso de Albufeira:
$44
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Transfer from Faro airport to Olhos de Água:
$44
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Transfer from Faro airport to Lagos:
$87
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Transfer from Faro airport to Isla Canela or Cristina:
$109
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Transfer from Faro airport to Huelva:
$174
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Transfer Coimbra/Figueira da Foz/Buçaco - Up to 7 People:
$460
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Transfer Coimbra/Figueira da Foz/Buçaco - Up to 3 People:
$373
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Private Transfer From Coimbra To Lisbon Stops in Batalha Fátima Tomar Alcobaça:
$280
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Transfer Lisbon visiting Fátima Sanctuary:
$136
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Private transfer from Coimbra to Lisbon:
$126
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Transfer Porto visiting Aveiro:
$121
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Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Coimbra:
$108
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Porto Private Transfer to or from Coimbra:
$71
Entertainment
In Faro, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average €56 per person, per day.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Coimbra can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €14 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
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3 Days in BMW R nineT Scrambler Tour:
$523
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7 Fountains Walking Tour from Faro:
$118
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7-Day Off The Beaten Track Algarve Walk Tour:
$2,687
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8 Days Tour - North & South of Portugal:
$1,896
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Algarve Beauties cave Tour - Benagil cave and Marinha beach from Faro:
$64
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Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour:
$56
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Algarve Private & CustomTour:
$93
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Algarve Tour:
$435
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Algarve: Animaris Desert Island & Ria Formosa Day Tour:
$36
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Amoreira River Kayak Tour:
$50
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Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour:
$50
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Barranco Grottos & Caves Stand Up Paddle Tour:
$62
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Aveiro, Barra and Costa Nova Fullday Tour:
$149
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Bairrada Route Wine and Gastronomic Experience:
$123
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Batalha Alcobaca Nazaré Óbidos Private Tour Full Day With Local From Coimbra:
$218
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Batalha Fátima Tomar Alcobaca Private Tour Full Day With Local From Coimbra:
$218
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Bussaco Forest Walking Experience:
$44
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Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest Halfday Tour:
$100
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Bôa Vista | Secret Palace - Fado & Drinks Experience:
$15
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Coimbra Exclusive Walking Tour:
$20
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Coimbra Experience Walking Tour:
$25
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Coimbra Hop-On Hop-Off Tour:
$16
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Coimbra Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and Mondego Cruise:
$19
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Coimbra Private Walking Tour:
$199
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Coimbra spend on average €9.86 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
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Traditional Portuguese Guitar performance with Exhibition Museum & Wine Tasting:
$21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Faro and Coimbra, we can see that Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro than you might in Coimbra.
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