A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Monaco for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Lagos or Monaco?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Monaco. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a scenic, adventure-filled, and dramatic resort town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a glitzy, glamorous, and captivating coastal resort area. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Lagos and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


How is Lagos different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lagos or Monaco Better for Food?

Lagos
Monaco

Both Lagos and Monaco offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Monaco has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.


Is Lagos or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Lagos
Monaco

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Monaco.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Monaco is a must-see party destination. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

Is Lagos or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Lagos
Monaco

There are resorts to choose from in both Lagos and Monaco.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Monaco is a great choice. As the playground for the rich and famous, this city has its share of luxury resorts. Famous hotels include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Is Lagos or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos
Monaco

You'll find places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Lagos and Monaco.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Monaco has a few good snorkeling spots. There are both beaches that offer walk-in snorkeling spots as well as boat tours that you can book that will take you to some of the best snorkeling and dive sights around Monaco.

Is Lagos or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Lagos
Monaco

Lagos provides a better beach experience than Monaco.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Monaco is a good option for a beach vacation. Located along the French Riviera, the beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand. The only public beach is Plage du Larvotto in Monte Carlo and there are a number of activities available including jet skis and wind-surfing. This is also a very family-friendly beach that kids of all ages can enjoy.


Is Lagos or Monaco Better for Shopping?

Lagos
Monaco

Monaco is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

Monaco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or Monaco Better for Families?

Lagos
Monaco

Families may find more to do in Lagos than Monaco.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

For families, Monaco is not always the best place to visit. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.

Is Lagos or Monaco Better for Couples?

Lagos
Monaco

Lagos and Monaco both fun destinations for a couple.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Monaco makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.

Is Lagos or Monaco Better for Public Transit?

Lagos
Monaco

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Lagos and Monaco.

Public transit is generally limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

While Monaco offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system.


Is Lagos or Monaco a more walkable city?

Lagos
Monaco

Monaco is generally more walkable than Lagos.

Getting around Monaco on foot is easy. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Monaco?

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

The ideal length of time for a trip to Lagos is 3-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Monaco is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Lagos or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lagos 3-5 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Lagos or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Monaco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Monaco?

Lagos is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Monaco is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Monaco. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Lagos or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lagos. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the posh big city of Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Monaco or Lagos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €94, while the average daily cost in Monaco is €151. 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 Lagos and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 49
    Monaco 95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 98
    Monaco 190
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Lagos or Monaco? 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 Lagos


Hotels in Monaco


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: Lagos Hotel Prices and Monaco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 25
    Monaco 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Airport Transfer One Way: $53
  • Airport Transfer Service One way: $69
  • Faro Private Transfer to or from Lagos: $51
  • Faro Shared Transfer to or from Lagos: $45
  • Lagos Private Transfer to Faro: $68
  • Lagos Shared Departure Transfer to Faro: $26
  • Private Faro Airport Transfer to Lagos(5 to 8 passangers): $118
  • Private Transfer Ikeja-Ikoyi-Victoria Island to Lagos Airport LOG - Business Car: $58
  • Private Transfer Lagos - Faro Airport: $114
  • Private Transfer Lagos Airport LOG to Ikeja-Ikoyi-Victoria Island - Business Car: $58
  • Private Transfer Lisbon - Western Algarve: $460
  • Private Transfer Western Algarve - Lisbon: $460

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Between Monaco and Nice: Single Helicopter Transfer: $199
  • Departure Private Transfers from Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE: $98
  • Departure Private Transfers from Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $118
  • Monaco Private Transfer from Monaco-Ville to Nice Airport: $174
  • Monaco Transfer: Monaco Cruise Port to Nice Airport: $80
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $108
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Car: $157
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $124
  • Private Departure Transfer from Monaco Hotels to Nice Airport: $65
  • Private transfer: Monaco Airport (MCM) to Monaco: $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Lagos 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
    Lagos 27
    Monaco 43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

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

  • Dinner + Jazz At The Metaphor in Lagos: $80
  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lagos 21
    Monaco 18

Tours and Activities in Lagos

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

  • 2 Hour Lagos Historical Tour: $14
  • Brodie's Historical and Fun Lagos Walking Tour: $19
  • Grotto tour Ponta da Piedade Lagos: $19
  • Lagos Walking Tour with Local Historian: $19
  • Lagos Zoo Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Explore Ponta da Piedade on a Boat Tour: $21
  • Lagos Zoo Admission Ticket: $22
  • Tour to go inside the Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the beaches - Lagos: $22
  • Ponta da Piedade Boat Tour with Local Guide: $23
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour in Lagos, Algarve: $25
  • Ponta da Piedade Cruise to Caves and Beaches with Local Guide: $25
  • Ponta da Piedade: 2-Hour Boat Cruise: $29

Typical Entertainment prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    101

Tours and Activities in Monaco

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

  • Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket: $20
  • Monaco Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $29
  • Nice: Guided Monte-Carlo Tour: $45
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco & Monte Carlo Half-Day Tour: $51
  • Monte-Carlo and Monaco sightseeing walking tour with an expert guide: $56
  • Full-Day Small Group Tour to Monaco and Eze: $90
  • From Cannes: Monaco Small Group Night Tour: $96
  • From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour: $104
  • Group tour of French Riviera from the port of Monaco/Monte-Carlo: $112
  • Helicopter Sightseeing Flight: $164
  • Monaco 30/60-Minute Ferrari Driving Experience: $172
  • Lamborghini Sports Car Experience from Monaco: $211

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 5.43
    Monaco 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Algarve Wine Tour in a VW T2 Van: $57
  • Algarve: Jeep Safari with Distillery Visit & Lunch: $65
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $69
  • Silves, Caldas and Monchique Wine Tasting: Full Day Tour: $74

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Authentic Wine Tasting Experience: $48
  • Monaco Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Nice and Eze with Wine Tasting: $657
  • Private St-Jeannet, St-Paul-de-Vence, and Wine Tour from Monaco: $843


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

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Lagos vs. Monaco Travel Comparison

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