A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Avignon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Oxford or Avignon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Avignon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a picturesque, historical, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Oxford or Avignon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Avignon than Oxford. While Oxford is larger than Avignon, Avignon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Avignon is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Oxford is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Also, Avignon is famous for Palais des Papes. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Avignon?

Oxford
Avignon

Avignon is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Avignon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.


Is the Food Better in Oxford or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oxford
Avignon

Avignon is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Avignon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Avignon

Oxford is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Oxford or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Oxford
Avignon

Avignon is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Avignon has a world-famous historical area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Avignon?

Oxford
Avignon

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Oxford and Avignon.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Avignon offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Oxford or Avignon Better for Families?

Oxford
Avignon

Oxford and Avignon are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Oxford or Avignon Better for Couples?

Oxford
Avignon

Oxford and Avignon are both great to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.


Is Oxford or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oxford
Avignon

Avignon is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Avignon Better for Students?

Oxford
Avignon

Oxford is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Avignon is not popular with students.

Is Oxford or Avignon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oxford
Avignon

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Avignon.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.


Is Oxford or Avignon a more walkable city?

Oxford
Avignon

Avignon is very popular for its walkability. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

For even more information, also check out Is Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Avignon?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avignon than Oxford 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 Avignon.


  • How many days in Oxford or Avignon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oxford 1-3 
    Avignon 1-2

One day in Oxford or Avignon?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the small town destination of Avignon. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Avignon?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oxford has to offer.

Avignon 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.


Five days in Oxford or Avignon?

Oxford is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Oxford or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical small town of Avignon. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon or Oxford?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Oxford is £131, while the average daily cost in Avignon is £599. 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 Oxford and Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Avignon £554
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Avignon £1,108
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Avignon? 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 Oxford


Hotels in Avignon


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: Oxford Hotel Prices and Avignon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Avignon £18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

  • Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96
  • Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234
  • Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
  • Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
  • National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34
  • Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

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

  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon and Oxford 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
    Oxford £41
    Avignon £29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

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

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Avignon £13

Tours and Activities in Oxford

For Oxford, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Luxury 8 Hours Day Tour in Oxford!": $491
  • 1.5-hour Oxford University and Colleges Walking Tour: $25
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour: $23
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour & Carfax Tower Entry: $27
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Oxford With University Alumni Guide: $159
  • 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford : $29
  • Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford: $62
  • Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket: $35
  • Blenheim Palace Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Brazilian Tapas Dining Experience with Pagode Music and Wine : $44
  • CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 11.45am: $64
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81

Tours and Activities in Avignon

For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Aix en Provence and Avignon city of Popes Private Tour: $1,486
  • Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon: $98
  • Avignon : Half-Day Walking Tour with Private Guide: $160
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Avignon private guided tour: $273
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Emblematic Squares Tour: $267
  • Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Avignon £14

Sample the Local Flavors in Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221

Sample the Local Flavors in Avignon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Avignon:

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oxford and Avignon, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Oxford much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oxford would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oxford 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Oxford.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oxford Expensive? and Is Avignon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Avignon?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Avignon, 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 Oxford or Avignon?

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 Oxford or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives more rain than Avignon. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Avignon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Oxford is cooler than Avignon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Avignon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Avignon. Most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Avignon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oxford can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Oxford is much colder than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Avignon. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Avignon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Avignon. The spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In April, Oxford is generally much colder than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Avignon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Avignon and Oxford

Oxford Avignon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)