A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

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Should you visit Faro or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Montpellier, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Faro

Faro is a active, popular, and busy resort town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and shopping.

How is Faro different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Faro or Montpellier better for Beaches?

Both Faro and Montpellier have beaches worth visiting.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.


Is Faro or Montpellier better for its Old Town?

The historic old town of Montpellier is more notable.

The rich history of Montpellier can be explored in its historical center. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Faro offers a nice historic old town area. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is Faro or Montpellier better for Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Montpellier both offer plenty of spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Faro. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Faro or Montpellier better for Families?

Faro and Montpellier are both fun destinations for the whole family.

For families, Faro is not always the best place to visit. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Faro or Montpellier better for Couples?

Faro and Montpellier are both fun to visit as a couple.

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.


Is Faro or Montpellier better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Montpellier are fairly comparable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Many backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Faro or Montpellier better for Public Transit?

Faro and Montpellier both offer public transit to get you around.

While Faro offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Faro or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Faro and Montpellier are similar when it comes to walkability.

Faro is somewhat walkable. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Faro and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Faro
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Cons
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
Montpellier
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Faro?

How long in Faro or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Faro and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than Montpellier.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Faro is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Montpellier is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Faro or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Faro or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the popular resort town of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire area has lots to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the destination of Montpellier. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Faro or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This resort town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend here when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

Five days in Faro or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the active resort town of Faro. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find shopping around the vibrant destination of Montpellier. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Faro. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The vibrant city of Montpellier offers shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Which city is cheaper, Montpellier or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €107, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €84. 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Faro and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro €60
    Montpellier €45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro €120
    Montpellier €90

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro €7.62
    Montpellier €21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Algarve private transfer to Seville: $307
  • Algarve to/from Seville Transfer: $325
  • Arrival Transfer Faro Airport - Carvoeiro: $58
  • Arrival Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Albufeira or Açoteias by Private Vehicle: $38
  • Arrival Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Meia Praia or Lagos by Private Vehicle: $78
  • Arrival Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Vilamoura or Qta do Lago by Private Vehicle: $32
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to LISBON (1 to 4 passengers): $398
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to LISBON (1 to 8 passengers): $498
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (1 to 4 passengers): $435
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers): $498
  • Faro Airport (Algarve) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Vilamoura Hotels or Address): $45
  • Faro Airport FAO Transfer to Alvor, Carvoeiro or Portimão by Private Vehicle: $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer Montpelier Airport to Avignon: $411
  • Transfer Montpelier Airport to Nimes City or Nimes Airport: $224
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $84
  • Private Transfer: Montpellier Airport (MPL) to Montpellier: $62
  • Private Transfer: Montpellier to Montpellier Airport (MPL): $62
  • Departure Transfer Montpellier to Montpellier Airport MPL by Private Vehicle: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Faro 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
    Faro €29
    Montpellier €25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Montpellier countryside dinner with local food & wine: $81
  • Vintage private wine and food tour from Montpellier: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro €7.53
    Montpellier €9.71

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Horse Experience For Children: Lead Rein Riding: $3.72
  • Hop On Hop Off City Tour by Tourist Train: $6.84
  • Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket: $11
  • Birds and Nature Catamaran Tour from Faro: $19
  • Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $32
  • Ria Formosa National Park Boat Tour: $34
  • From 2-Island, 2-Stop Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour: $34
  • Ria Formosa Natural Park Boat Cruise from Faro: $37
  • Birdwatching Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $38
  • Small-Group Tour in Faro Islands: $40
  • From 4 Islands, 4 Stops in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour: $40
  • Private Speed Boat Tour: $45

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Camargue and Aigues-Mortes safari tour from Montpellier: $112
  • Full Day Pic Saint Loup Wine and Olive Tour with Lunch from Montpellier: $373
  • Full Day Private Tour of Roman Monuments: $829
  • Full day small-group tour Vineyards and Villages from Montpellier: $149
  • Montpelier Discovery : Big Historic Tour - 1h30: $50
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour: $230
  • Montpellier Self-Guided Walking Tour with Qula City Trails: $36
  • Montpellier private walking tour: $198
  • Noilly Prat Vermouth Cellar Tour and Tastings in Marseillan: $22
  • Pic Saint Loup Winetour & food: $100
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $199
  • Private 4-hour City Tour of Montpellier with Hotel pick-up and drop off: $664

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro €2.50
    Montpellier €12

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Traditional Portuguese Guitar performance with Exhibition Museum & Wine Tasting: $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

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

  • Hike to the top of "Pic Saint Loup" and a wine tasting: $68
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $81
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $81
  • Private tour: Exclusive Wine Tour in Languedoc from Montpellier: $336

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Faro and Montpellier, we can see that Faro is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

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Faro vs. Montpellier Travel Comparison

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