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

Should you visit Montpellier or Imperia?

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 Montpellier and Imperia. 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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier and Imperia: Pros and Cons

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
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Montpellier or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Montpellier and Imperia are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is more touristy than Imperia and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Montpellier different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Montpellier or Imperia?

Montpellier
Imperia

Montpellier is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.


Is the Food Better in Montpellier or Imperia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montpellier
Imperia

Dining out at restaurants in both Montpellier and Imperia can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Montpellier area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Montpellier or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier
Imperia

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or Imperia has a better nightlife scene.

Montpellier has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Imperia has a few options to choose from. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Montpellier or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Montpellier
Imperia

Montpellier is notable for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.


Is Montpellier or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier
Imperia

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Montpellier can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Imperia?

Montpellier
Imperia

Montpellier is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Montpellier or Imperia Better for Families?

Montpellier
Imperia

Both Montpellier and Imperia are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. 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.

Imperia offers lots of family activities. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.


Is Montpellier or Imperia Better for Couples?

Montpellier
Imperia

Montpellier is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Montpellier or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier
Imperia

Montpellier is notable for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Montpellier or Imperia Better for Students?

Montpellier
Imperia

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.


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

Montpellier
Imperia

Montpellier is notable for its public transit. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Montpellier or Imperia a more walkable city?

Montpellier
Imperia

Montpellier is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

For even more information, also check out Is Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Imperia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Montpellier or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Montpellier than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

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

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

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

One day in Montpellier or Imperia?

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic town of Imperia. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Montpellier or Imperia?

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the undiscovered destination of Imperia. This town 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.

Five days in Montpellier or Imperia?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The authentic town of Imperia offers shopping and museums. 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.

A week in Montpellier or Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Imperia. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Montpellier?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montpellier is €118, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €108. 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 Montpellier and Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montpellier 69
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montpellier 138
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Montpellier and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Montpellier or Imperia? 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 Montpellier


Hotels in Imperia


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: Montpellier Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montpellier 26
    Imperia 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier Airport to City centre: $74
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $130
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Montpellier or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia and Montpellier 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
    Montpellier 31
    Imperia 35

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: $82
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $92
  • Cooking workshop: $105
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $426

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montpellier 12
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $85
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $175

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $426

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montpellier 15
    Imperia 7.50

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: $239
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $352


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


Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Imperia?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Imperia, 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 Montpellier or Imperia?

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 Montpellier or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Imperia. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Imperia for the family-friendly experiences.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Imperia in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Imperia this time of the year. In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Imperia. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Imperia. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Imperia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Montpellier is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Imperia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Imperia. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Montpellier is generally much colder than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of rain as Imperia. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Montpellier during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Imperia because of the natural beauty.

Montpellier is cooler than Imperia in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Imperia. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Montpellier

Montpellier Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)