A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inverness vs. Como for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Inverness or Como?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Como can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Inverness and Como: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Inverness or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Como. Although Inverness and Como are both popular with visitors, Como has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Como is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is known for its museums and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Inverness and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Inverness is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

How is Inverness different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Como and Inverness. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inverness or Como?

Inverness
Como

Inverness is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Inverness can be an interesting and educational experience. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.


Is the Food Better in Inverness or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Como

Como is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Como has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Inverness or Como Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Como

Both Inverness and Como are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Inverness or Como Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Como

Como is very good for the beache. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Como to enjoy the beach. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Inverness is not a beach destination.


Is Inverness or Como Better for Hiking?

Inverness
Como

Como is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Como?

Inverness
Como

Como is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Como make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Is Inverness or Como Better for Families?

Inverness
Como

Como is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.


Is Inverness or Como Better for Couples?

Inverness
Como

Como is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Como has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Inverness or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Como

Como is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Como is a great lake area to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Inverness
Como

Como is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Como has a few public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Inverness or Como a more walkable city?

Inverness
Como

Inverness and Como both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

Como is a very walkable destination. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

For even more information, also check out Is Inverness Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Inverness or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Inverness, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Families should spend more time in Como than Inverness. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Como, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Como than Inverness. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Como that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como than Inverness if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Como.


  • How many days in Inverness or Como? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Como 2-4

One day in Inverness or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Inverness. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the lake area of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Inverness or Como?

Inverness is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the scenic destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this lake area has to offer. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Inverness or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Inverness. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant lake area of Como. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inverness or Como?

The historic city of Inverness offers nightlife and food. 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.

Como is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.


Which place is cheaper, Como or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Como is £183. 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 Inverness and Como in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Como £125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Como £250
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Como

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Como Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Como £12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

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

  • Private Transfer from Como to Milan hotels: $53
  • Private Transfer From Lecco or Malgrate: $65
  • Private transfer from Mandello del Lario or Abbadia Lariana: $76
  • Bellagio to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
  • Private transfer from Lenno or Argegno or Ossuccio: $147
  • Private Transfer from Lezzeno or Pognana Lario or Faggeto Lario: $169
  • From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $193
  • Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $207
  • Como Private Transfer from Como city centre to Milan Malpensa Airport: $221
  • Argegno: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $235
  • Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $236
  • Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $243

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Como?

Prices for flights to both Como and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Como £51

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.
    Inverness £44
    Como -

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Como

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

  • Agra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Como: $8.71
  • Como Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Como Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • Self-Guided Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • Lake Self-Guided Walking Tour - Downtown Como: $21
  • Como City Audio Guide and Skip The Ticket Line to Brunate: $22
  • Como City Walking Tour : $27
  • City Tour with Duomo Visit and First Basin Lake Cruise: $32
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $32
  • 90minutes Tea Preparation and Tasting Experience in Como: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Como -

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

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 comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness or Como?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Inverness or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Inverness during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Inverness is much colder than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Inverness in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Como. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in July than Como. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Como 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Como. Many travelers come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Inverness is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 9°C (49°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Inverness usually receives less rain than Como. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Como 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Como. Many visitors come to Inverness in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Como can be very cold during winter. Inverness can get quite cold in the winter. Inverness is much colder than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Como. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in January than Como. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Como 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Inverness is much colder than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Inverness in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Como. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Como 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Como and Inverness

Inverness Como
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)