A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Vitoria-Gasteiz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montpellier or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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.

Where Should I go: Montpellier or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Montpellier

Montpellier is the 8th largest city of France, and also has been the fastest growing city in the country over the past 25 years. Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hotels, private mansions, stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep. Unlike many southern towns, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. Instead it was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and later became a prosperous trading port as well as a scholarly center - Europe's first medical school was established here in the 12th century. The population swelled in the 1960s when many French settlers left independent Algeria and relocated here, and it's now France's fastest-growing city and one of its most multicultural areas. Students make up over a third of the population, giving it a spirited vibe.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

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 Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Vitoria-Gasteiz, we can see that Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Montpellier Expensive? and Is Vitoria-Gasteiz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Vitoria-Gasteiz. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Montpellier or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Montpellier during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montpellier is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montpellier in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 188 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 15°C (60°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vitoria-Gasteiz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz. The winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montpellier is cooler than Vitoria-Gasteiz in the winter. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Montpellier usually gets less rain in January than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the spring, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montpellier in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In April, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Montpellier