A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Oxford vs. Dundee for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Oxford or Dundee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Dundee, 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 scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee

Dundee is a coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Oxford and Dundee: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Oxford or Dundee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dundee. Although Oxford and Dundee are both popular with visitors, Dundee has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dundee is more popular for its big city activities, while Oxford is known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also home to Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Oxford different from Dundee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford
Dundee

Oxford is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Oxford offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


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

Oxford
Dundee

Both Oxford and Dundee offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dundee. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Oxford or Dundee Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Dundee

Oxford is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Oxford offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Dundee?

Oxford
Dundee

Oxford is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Oxford is a great destination for shopping. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.


Is Oxford or Dundee Better for Families?

Oxford
Dundee

Oxford and Dundee are both good 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 Dundee. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Is Oxford or Dundee Better for Couples?

Oxford
Dundee

Oxford is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Oxford or Dundee Better for Students?

Oxford
Dundee

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for students. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Plenty of students visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.


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

Oxford
Dundee

Visitors will find good public transit in both Oxford and Dundee.

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

You'll find some public transit in Dundee, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has a public bus system.

Is Oxford or Dundee a more walkable city?

Oxford
Dundee

Oxford is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Dundee or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Dundee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oxford or Dundee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oxford than Dundee 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 Dundee.

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

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

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


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

One day in Oxford or Dundee?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dundee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Oxford or Dundee?

Oxford 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.

Dundee 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 Dundee?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dundee. 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 Dundee?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Dundee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Dundee 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 Dundee is £234. 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 Dundee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Dundee £149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Dundee £298
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Dundee

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Dundee? 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 Dundee


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 Dundee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Dundee £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Dundee?

Prices for flights to both Dundee 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
    Dundee £47

Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Dundee £106

Tours and Activities in Oxford

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

  • Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Oxford's Literary Legends and Landmarks" A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Explore Oxford's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour for Students: $11
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour: $13

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

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

  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $82
  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Dundee £13

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


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


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Dundee?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Dundee, 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 Dundee?

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 Oxford or Dundee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Dundee. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Oxford is a little warmer than Dundee in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dundee fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dundee receives 184 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Dundee. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Dundee 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Dundee in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Oxford is a little warmer than Dundee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Dundee averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Dundee receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dundee. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Dundee 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Dundee in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Dundee in the winter. The weather in Oxford can be very cold. In January, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Dundee. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Dundee fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Dundee. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dundee receives 58 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Dundee. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Dundee 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Dundee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Dundee. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dundee for the activities around the city.

Oxford is a little warmer than Dundee in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Dundee fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Dundee receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives more rain than Dundee. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Dundee 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Dundee and Oxford

Oxford Dundee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)