A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a inspiring, iconic, and religious island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Oxford and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Oxford have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Oxford is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Both Oxford and Mont-Saint-Michel offer nice 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Oxford is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Oxford know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Oxford is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Oxford is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Oxford is a world-class destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Oxford and Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

You'll find some public transit in Mont-Saint-Michel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.


Is Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Oxford
Mont-Saint-Michel

Oxford and Mont-Saint-Michel are excellent 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable college town. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.


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

One day in Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

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

A weekend in Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Oxford is a popular choice for travelers. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel is £134. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Mont-Saint-Michel £60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Mont-Saint-Michel £120
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel


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 Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Mont-Saint-Michel £60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel £38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Mont-Saint-Michel £26

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
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & 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

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $272
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Mont-Saint-Michel £6.72

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 comparing the travel costs between Oxford and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 1930 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oxford is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In Mont-Saint-Michel, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Mont-Saint-Michel. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. Oxford is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Oxford

Oxford Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)