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

Should you visit Inverness or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Inverness and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Inverness or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Inverness and Montpellier are both popular with visitors, Montpellier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is known for its food and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Inverness different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Inverness
Montpellier

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Inverness and Montpellier.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.


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

Inverness
Montpellier

Inverness is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Inverness is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Inverness or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Montpellier

Both Inverness and Montpellier 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 Montpellier. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Inverness or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for the beache. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.


Is Inverness or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Montpellier

Montpellier is terrific for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Montpellier?

Inverness
Montpellier

Both Inverness and Montpellier are high quality shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Inverness or Montpellier Better for Families?

Inverness
Montpellier

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Montpellier.

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

Montpellier is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Inverness
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Montpellier

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

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier Better for Students?

Inverness
Montpellier

Montpellier is terrific for students. However, Inverness is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Inverness is not popular with students.


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

Inverness
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Inverness or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Inverness
Montpellier

Inverness and Montpellier both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Inverness and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Inverness. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.


  • How many days in Inverness or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Inverness or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Inverness. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Montpellier. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Inverness or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional destination of Inverness. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Montpellier?

The cultural city of Inverness offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling city of Montpellier. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inverness or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Inverness. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier 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 Montpellier is £101. 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 Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Montpellier £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Montpellier £118
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Montpellier? 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 Montpellier


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 Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Montpellier £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier 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
    Montpellier £26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

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

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Montpellier £10

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Montpellier £13

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 Montpellier

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

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Montpellier, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness than you might in Montpellier.

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Inverness or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Inverness in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Inverness or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Montpellier. Most visitors come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Inverness is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 9°C (49°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Inverness because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

The weather in Inverness can be very cold. Inverness is much colder than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Inverness during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Inverness

Inverness Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)