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

Should you visit Oxford or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Montpellier, 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Oxford and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montpellier than Oxford. Montpellier is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montpellier is better known for its beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford is more popular for its nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Oxford different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Oxford or Montpellier.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Both Oxford and Montpellier offer notable 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 Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Oxford or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Oxford or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

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

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Montpellier?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier Better for Families?

Oxford and Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Oxford or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Oxford and Montpellier 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 Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Oxford or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier Better for Students?

Both Oxford and Montpellier are world-class destinations for 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.

Montpellier is a very popular college town for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

Montpellier is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Oxford and Montpellier are great 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable college town. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Oxford. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Oxford or Montpellier?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this college town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. 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 Montpellier?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This college town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Montpellier. This city 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Oxford is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Montpellier. Most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Oxford