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

Should you visit Manchester 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 Manchester and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Montpellier: 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
  • Big city activities
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
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Manchester or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Manchester than Montpellier. Manchester is bigger than Montpellier, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Manchester is better known for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Manchester different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Manchester
Montpellier

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Manchester or Montpellier.

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.

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 Manchester or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Montpellier

Manchester 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 Manchester is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Manchester or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Montpellier

Manchester is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Manchester know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. 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 Manchester or Montpellier Better for Music?

Manchester
Montpellier

Manchester is a great destination for its music scene. However, Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Manchester has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Montpellier is not a live music destination.


Is Manchester or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Manchester
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its beaches. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Manchester
Montpellier

Montpellier is very popular for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Montpellier?

Manchester
Montpellier

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Montpellier both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. 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.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.


Is Manchester or Montpellier Better for Families?

Manchester
Montpellier

Manchester is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Manchester is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. 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 Manchester or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Manchester
Montpellier

Both Manchester and Montpellier are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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.

Is Manchester or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.


Is Manchester or Montpellier Better for Students?

Manchester
Montpellier

Montpellier is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Manchester
Montpellier

Manchester and Montpellier both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Manchester or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Manchester
Montpellier

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

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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 Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Montpellier?

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

Families should spend more time in Manchester than Montpellier. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Manchester 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 Manchester or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Manchester or Montpellier?

Manchester is a cultural city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Montpellier?

Manchester is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Montpellier?

The diverse city of Manchester offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Montpellier, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Manchester. 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 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, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier 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 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 Manchester and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Montpellier £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Montpellier £118
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Manchester 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 Manchester


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Montpellier £22
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 Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier 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
    Montpellier £26

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

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.
    Manchester £30
    Montpellier £10

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

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Montpellier £13

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 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 Manchester and Montpellier, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Montpellier?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester or Montpellier?

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 Manchester or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Montpellier. Many visitors come to Manchester in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Manchester is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manchester 16°C (62°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Manchester is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Manchester usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manchester 11°C (52°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

The weather in Manchester can be very cold. In the winter, Manchester is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montpellier. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manchester 4°C (39°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Montpellier. The activities around the city are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Manchester is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manchester 8°C (46°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Manchester

Manchester Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)