Which place is cheaper, Como or Lake Garda?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Lake Garda vs. Como for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Lake Garda or Como?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lake Garda or Como? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Lake Garda or Como?
Lake Garda
As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.
Como
At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLake Garda €166Como €214
The average daily cost (per person) in Lake Garda is €166, while the average daily cost in Como is €214. 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 Lake Garda and Como in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLake Garda €84Como €146
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLake Garda €168Como €292
Compare Hotels in Lake Garda and Como
Looking for a hotel in Lake Garda 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.
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: Como Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lake Garda €66Como €14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como
Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Como to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $1,319
- Private Transfer from Como to Milan Linate Airport: $250
- Private Transfer from Como to Milan City Center: $79
- Private Transfer from Como to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $1,493
- Private Transfer from Como Hotels to Milan Malpensa Airport: $250
- Private Departure Transfer from Como to Malpensa Airport: $130
- Private Departure Transfer from Como to Linate Airport: $152
- Como/Cernobbio/Moltrasio/Blevio to/from Milan Malpensa Apt (Private Transfer): $156
- Como - Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) / Private Departure Van Transfer: $47
- Como - Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) / Private Departure Car Transfer: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Lake Garda or Como?
Prices for flights to both Como and Lake Garda 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
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Food Meals for one dayLake Garda €42Como €60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lake Garda Private Home Cooking Class: $164
- Lake Garda Market Tour and Home Cooking Class: $214
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como
For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lake Como Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $93
- Pasta Fresca Hands-on Cooking Class with a Local in Como: $100
- Dining experience at a local's home at Lake Como with show cooking: $106
- Dining experience at a local's home in Como with show cooking: $106
- Small-group Street food tour in Como: $111
- Como Food Tour: $121
- Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $159
- Pizza making experience in Como: $162
- Lake Italian Pasta Cooking Experience: $162
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Lake Como: $162
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Como: $162
- Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lake Garda €30Como -
Tours and Activities in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Tignale: Drena Canyoning Tour for Beginners: $75
- From Verona: Sirmione and Lake Garda Small Group Tour: $85
- Full-Day Lake Garda Tour: Bus & Public Boat with Guide: $68
- 1-Day Private Hiking Experience: $147
- Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $96
- Family Friendly Canyoning Tour: $62
- Sirmione: Walking and Speedboat Tour: $147
Tours and Activities in Como
For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Walking Tour Como: $100
- 4-Day Northern Italy Lakes Tour from Milan: $1,181
- A private evening cruise on lake Como: $391
- A private food-tour on Lake Lugano from Lake Como: $694
- A private helicopter tour over lake Como: $1,093
- A private tour of Lugano and its lakeside villages: $423
- Bergamo PRIVATE Guided tour: $373
- Best of Lake Como - Cruise on the lake: $185
- Best of Lake Como - Full day boat tour from Como: $395
- Como Champagne VIP Tour: $311
- Como Food & Boat Tour: $409
- Como Historical and Heritage Tour: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLake Garda €19Como -
Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda
Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Valpolicella from Lake Garda: $112
- Lugana Wine Tour With Private Panoramic Boat on Lake Garda: $675
Sample the Local Flavors in Como
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:
- Champagne & Top Wine Tasting: $175
- Sightseeing and Wine Tasting in Como: $303
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake Garda and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Lake Garda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake Garda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Garda 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como than you might in Lake Garda.
When is the best time to visit Lake Garda or Como?
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 Lake Garda or Como in the Summer?
Both Como and Lake Garda are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Lake Garda is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake Garda in July are around 24°C (75°F), and Como is about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. Lake Garda usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Lake Garda gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lake Garda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Lake Garda gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLake Garda 24°C (75°F)Como 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Lake Garda or Como in the Autumn?
Both Como and Lake Garda during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Lake Garda is generally around the same temperature as Como. Temperatures in Lake Garda average around 14°C (57°F), and Como stays around 15°C (58°F).
In the autumn, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Como. Lake Garda gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.
Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lake Garda usually gets less rain in October than Como. Lake Garda gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLake Garda 14°C (57°F)Como 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Lake Garda or Como in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake Garda and Como.
The weather in Como can be very cold. Lake Garda can be very cold during winter. Lake Garda is much colder than Como in the winter. The temperature in Lake Garda is usually 2°C (36°F) in January, and Como stays around 5°C (41°F).
Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Lake Garda gets 98 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lake Garda usually receives less rain than Como. Lake Garda gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLake Garda 2°C (36°F)Como 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Lake Garda or Como in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lake Garda as well as Como.
In the spring, Lake Garda is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake Garda in April are around 13°C (55°F), and Como is about 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Lake Garda often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Lake Garda gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.
Lake Garda usually gets less rain in April than Como. Lake Garda gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLake Garda 13°C (55°F)Como 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Como and Lake Garda
| Lake Garda | Como | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
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