A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Monaco for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Manchester or Monaco?

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 Manchester and Monaco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a captivating, thrilling, and posh 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Manchester and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Manchester or Monaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Manchester and Monaco are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Manchester attracts visitors for its museums and music. Monaco is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Manchester different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Monaco?

Manchester
Monaco

Manchester is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Manchester or Monaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Monaco

Both Manchester and Monaco offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Monaco. 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 Manchester or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for nightlife. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Monaco is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Manchester has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Is Manchester or Monaco Better for Music?

Manchester
Monaco

Manchester is well known for its live music scene. However, Monaco is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Monaco is not a live music destination.


Is Manchester or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Manchester
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Manchester is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Monaco is a perfect 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.

Manchester is not a resort destination.

Is Manchester or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Manchester
Monaco

Monaco is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Manchester is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Monaco. 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.

Manchester is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Manchester or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Manchester
Monaco

Monaco is very good for its beaches. However, Manchester is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Monaco to enjoy the beach. 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Monaco?

Manchester
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Monaco. 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.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Manchester or Monaco Better for Families?

Manchester
Monaco

Manchester is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Monaco Better for Couples?

Manchester
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Monaco has plenty to offer. 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.


Is Manchester or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Monaco

Manchester is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Monaco is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Known for it's luxury accommodation and posh visitors, this coastal area isn't known for its backpacker friendly atmosphere. Most budget travelers skip the glitz and glam of this microstate in order to save a few bucks.

Is Manchester or Monaco Better for Students?

Manchester
Monaco

Manchester is well known for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Manchester or Monaco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester
Monaco

Manchester is well known for its public transit. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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


Is Manchester or Monaco a more walkable city?

Manchester
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Monaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Monaco. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Monaco 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 Manchester.


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

One day in Manchester or Monaco?

Manchester is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and nightlife around the posh coastal resort area of Monaco, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monaco, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Monaco?

Manchester is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the big city destination of Monaco, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal resort area.


Five days in Manchester or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Monaco, a popular coastal resort area, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant big city of Manchester. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Monaco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Monaco is £162. 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 Manchester and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Monaco £102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Monaco £204
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Manchester 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 Manchester


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: Manchester Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Monaco £15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Manchester Airport MAN to Liverpool in Business Car: $121
  • Manchester Airport (MAN) to Manchester - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Liverpool City: $249
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Manchester: $155
  • Manchester Airport(MAN) to Liverpool- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from London: $8.12
  • Manchester Private Transfer from Manchester Airport to City centre: $75
  • 1-Wsy Airport Bus Transfer to/from Leeds: $6.86
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Manchester Airport: $99
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer From Manchester Airport to Old Trafford Stadium: $279
  • Private Transfer Manchester Airport to Lake District Ski Club: $87
  • Private Transfer from Astley to Manchester Airport (MAN): $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $228
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $192
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $171
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $150
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Manchester 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
    Manchester £55
    Monaco £46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester £30
    Monaco £20

Tours and Activities in Manchester

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

  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Manchester’s Rebirth and Renewal: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • England's First Industrial City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Salford Quays Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Canal & River Cruise: $15
  • City River Tour: $15

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
    £86

Tours and Activities in Monaco

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

  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $70
  • Eze and Full Day Shared Tour: $102
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $70
  • From Nice: French Riviera Full Day Tour: $118
  • From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour: $64
  • From Nice: Italian Riviera, Monaco, & Monte Carlo Tour: $722
  • Guided tour of Monaco in 2 hours: $34
  • Italian Riviera & Monaco/ Monte-Carlo Sightseeing Tour: $722
  • Jewels of Monaco – Walking Tour for Couples: $469
  • La Condamine: City Highlights Walking Tour: $373
  • Monaco & Monte-Carlo: Guided Hidden Gems Tour: $74
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Monaco £22

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Nice: Wine Tasting Class in City Center: $73


When comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Monaco, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Monaco Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Monaco?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Monaco, 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.

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