A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Killarney vs. Toulouse for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Killarney or Toulouse?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Killarney and Toulouse can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Killarney

Killarney is a local, natural, and peaceful town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a historic, vibrant, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Killarney or Toulouse?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toulouse than Killarney, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toulouse is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Killarney is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Killarney is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. Also, Toulouse is famous for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Killarney different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Killarney or Toulouse?

Killarney
Toulouse

Toulouse is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

Killarney offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.


Is the Food Better in Killarney or Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Killarney
Toulouse

Toulouse is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Killarney has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.

Is Killarney or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Killarney
Toulouse

Toulouse is well known for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Toulouse is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Killarney doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Is Killarney or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Killarney
Toulouse

Toulouse is well known for its historic old town. However, Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.


Is Killarney or Toulouse Better for Hiking?

Killarney
Toulouse

Killarney is great for hiking. However, Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Killarney for the hiking trails. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Killarney or Toulouse?

Killarney
Toulouse

Toulouse is well known for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Killarney or Toulouse Better for Families?

Killarney
Toulouse

Both Killarney and Toulouse are great to visit with kids.

Killarney is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has many outdoor activities. You can explore Killarney National Park by horseback or head out on bikes. You can also take a boat ride or there's Kennedys Pet Farm for animal lovers.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toulouse is very family-friendly. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.


Is Killarney or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Killarney
Toulouse

Both Killarney and Toulouse are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Killarney frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Toulouse is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Killarney or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Killarney
Toulouse

Killarney is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Killarney is a good town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a surprising number of interesting hostels in the area so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay or meeting fellow backpackers.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Killarney or Toulouse Better for Students?

Killarney
Toulouse

Toulouse is a city with good options for students. However, Killarney is not popular with students.

Toulouse is popular with students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Killarney is not popular with students.


Is Killarney or Toulouse Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Killarney
Toulouse

Toulouse is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Toulouse, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Public transit is mostly limited in Killarney. There's a shuttle bus that travels between some of the tourist attractions.

Is Killarney or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Killarney
Toulouse

Toulouse is well known for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Toulouse is very walkable. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Killarney is not a very walkable town. While there are many great hikes in the area, you'll need a car to access most of them.

For even more information, also check out Is Killarney Worth Visiting? and Is Toulouse Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Killarney?

How long in Killarney or Toulouse?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulouse than Killarney 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 Toulouse.


  • How many days in Killarney or Toulouse? Ideal Length of Stay
    Killarney 2-3 
    Toulouse 2-4

One day in Killarney or Toulouse?

The town of Killarney offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Toulouse. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Killarney or Toulouse?

Killarney is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Killarney, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Toulouse. 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 Killarney or Toulouse?

Killarney is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Toulouse. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Killarney or Toulouse?

Killarney is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Toulouse is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulouse or Killarney?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Killarney is €167, while the average daily cost in Toulouse is €125. 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 Killarney and Toulouse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Killarney 102
    Toulouse 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Killarney 204
    Toulouse 134
Compare Hotels in Killarney and Toulouse

Looking for a hotel in Killarney or Toulouse? 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 Killarney


Hotels in Toulouse


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: Killarney Hotel Prices and Toulouse Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Killarney 20
    Toulouse 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Killarney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Killarney:

  • Killarney - Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $348
  • Cork Airport Private Transfer: Killarney to Cork Airport: $282
  • Kerry Airport Transfers: Killarney to Kerry Airport: $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

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

  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $41
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $92
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $87
  • Private transfer your alternative to taxi for your travels: $93
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $67
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $66
  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $240
  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Killarney or Toulouse?

Prices for flights to both Toulouse and Killarney 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
    Killarney 46
    Toulouse 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Killarney

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

  • Killarney Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Beer & Pizza: $76
  • Killarney Food Tour: $109

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulouse

For Toulouse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse !: $52
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $76
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $105
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Killarney 19
    Toulouse 15

Tours and Activities in Killarney

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

  • 1 Hour Guided Carriage Tour in Killarney National Park: $38
  • 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $16
  • Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe): $35
  • Bus & Boat Tour: $63
  • Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately) : $63
  • Cruise Tour on Kenmare Bay: $27
  • Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Day Tour: $39
  • From Portmagee & Skellig Ring Full-Day Tour: $75
  • Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney: $35
  • Full-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, and Inch Beach: $65
  • Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killlarney Boat Tour: $59
  • Gap of Dunloe Day Tour and Boat Ride from Killarney: $44

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

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

  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Toulouse : Walking tour with audio guide: $5.29
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Toulouse Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Toulouse's Timeless Splendor: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $16
  • Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Minibus: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Killarney 13
    Toulouse 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Killarney

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Killarney:

  • Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Visit: $75

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulouse

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

  • Pub Crawl Toulouse: $20
  • From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting: $530


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Killarney and Toulouse, we can see that Killarney is more expensive. And not only is Toulouse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulouse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulouse 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 Killarney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Killarney than you might in Toulouse.

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


Which is Bigger, Killarney or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Killarney and Toulouse, 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 Killarney or Toulouse?

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 Killarney or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Killarney during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In July, Killarney is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Killarney average around 15°C (59°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Toulouse, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Killarney often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Killarney gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun.

Killarney usually gets more rain in July than Toulouse. Killarney gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Killarney 15°C (59°F) 
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Killarney or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Killarney and Toulouse. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Killarney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Killarney is cooler than Toulouse in the autumn. The daily temperature in Killarney averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Killarney usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during autumn. Killarney gets 79 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Killarney usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Killarney gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Killarney 12°C (53°F) 
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Killarney or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Killarney as well as Toulouse. Many travelers come to Killarney for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Killarney is around the same temperature as Toulouse. Typically, the winter temperatures in Killarney in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Toulouse averages at about 6°C (44°F).

In the winter, Killarney often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Killarney gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun.

Killarney receives a lot of rain in the winter. Killarney usually gets more rain in January than Toulouse. Killarney gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Killarney 7°C (44°F) 
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F)

Should I visit Killarney or Toulouse in the Spring?

Both Toulouse and Killarney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Killarney in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Killarney is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Killarney average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Killarney usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during spring. Killarney gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Killarney usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Killarney gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Killarney 9°C (48°F) 
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Killarney

Killarney Toulouse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)