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

Should you visit Oxford or Como?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Como, 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.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Oxford and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Como?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Como than Oxford. While Oxford is larger than Como, Como has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Como is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Oxford is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como 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, Como is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Oxford has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Oxford or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Como has a beach worth visiting. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Como?

Como is very popular for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Como. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Como Better for Families?

Como is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Como is a very family-friendly destination. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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

Is Oxford or Como Better for Couples?

Como is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Oxford or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Como is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Students?

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

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Como is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Oxford or Como a more walkable city?

Oxford and Como are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Como is a very walkable college town. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Oxford or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como 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 Como.

One day in Oxford or Como?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Como?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Como 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 Como?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This college town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Como?

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Como?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Como. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Como during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Como. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Oxford is cooler than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Como. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Como. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Como. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Como can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In the winter, Oxford is cooler than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Como. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Como. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Oxford is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Como. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Como. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Oxford