A Travel Price Comparison for France Paris vs. Montpellier for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

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Should you visit Paris or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Paris or Montpellier? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and shopping.

How is Paris different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Paris or Montpellier better for Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Paris and Montpellier both offer plenty of spots.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.


Is Paris or Montpellier better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Paris or Montpellier.

Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Montpellier better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Montpellier make for a good place to visit.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Montpellier better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Paris and Montpellier are fairly comparable places to visit.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Many backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Paris or Montpellier better for Students?

For students, both Paris and Montpellier are fairly comparable places to visit.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit 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 Paris or Montpellier better for Public Transit?

Paris and Montpellier both offer public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Paris or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Paris and Montpellier are similar when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Paris and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Paris
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Montpellier
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Paris?

How long in Paris or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than Montpellier.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Paris is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Montpellier is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Paris or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Paris 3-7 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Paris or Montpellier?

Paris is a iconic city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire area has lots to do.

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping that this historic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Montpellier?

Paris is a iconic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Paris or Montpellier?

Paris is a iconic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Montpellier?

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping around the historic destination of Montpellier. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Montpellier or Paris?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €184, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €84. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Paris and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris €121
    Montpellier €45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris €242
    Montpellier €90

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris €17
    Montpellier €21
Typical Local Transportation prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    €6.40
  • Train from Airport
    €9.00
  • Metro tickets
    €6.80
  • Train
    €20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • AIRPORT TRANSFER - ROISSY CDG or ORLY: $131
  • Airfield Of Lognes - Private Round Trip Transfer Express: $403
  • Airport Transfer: $108
  • Airport Transfer to Paris: $75
  • Arrival Private Transfer Paris Train Station or City to Disneyland Paris Minivan: $58
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Beauvais Airport (BVA) to Paris in Comfortable Minivan: $104
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Paris Train Station to Paris City by Minivan: $43
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Paris Railway Stations to Paris Airport CDG: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Paris Railway Stations to Paris Airport CDG: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Paris Railway Stations to Paris Hotels: $68
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Paris Railway Stations to Paris Hotels: $61
  • CDG - Paris - CDG (Two Way) Private Shuttle Transfer: $156

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer Montpelier Airport to Avignon: $411
  • Transfer Montpelier Airport to Nimes City or Nimes Airport: $224
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $84
  • Private Transfer: Montpellier Airport (MPL) to Montpellier: $62
  • Private Transfer: Montpellier to Montpellier Airport (MPL): $62
  • Departure Transfer Montpellier to Montpellier Airport MPL by Private Vehicle: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Paris 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
    Paris €31
    Montpellier €25
Typical Food prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    €8.00
  • Breakfast
    €7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    €30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    €86
  • Dinner
    €57
  • Cheese
    €13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • Paris en Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $49
  • Paris River Seine Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Italian dinner on the river Seine: $61
  • Seine River Cruise with French Dinner on Champs-Elysees Avenue: $61
  • Seine River Cruise & Dinner on Champs Elysées Avenue: $62
  • Choux cooking class for kids in Paris: $62
  • Capitaine Fracasse Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Paris Small-Group Gourmet Food Tour With Optional Lunch and Wine Tasting: $75
  • Bistro Parisien Dinner and Seine River Sightseeing Cruise Combination: $75
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique Bike and Food tour in Paris !: $75
  • Romantic Cruise with 3-course Dinner on Seine River: $76
  • Fondue Cooking Party - Winter is Coming: $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Montpellier countryside dinner with local food & wine: $81
  • Vintage private wine and food tour from Montpellier: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paris €62
    Montpellier €9.71
Typical Entertainment prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    €18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    €5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    €23

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • Secret Montmartre, smartphone audioguided tour: $0.98
  • Trendy Marais, smartphone audioguided walking tour: $0.98
  • Marais HiddenTreasures, audioguided walking tour: $0.98
  • Paris Criminal Past, audioguided walking tour: $0.98
  • Test Day tour: $1.00
  • BEST OF ROYAL DAYS & LIFE : 3 audioguided tours: $1.85
  • BEST OF PARIS : 3 smartphone audioguided tours: $1.85
  • Legends of Paris Night Free Walking Tour in Spanish: $3.72
  • Visit the Eiffel Tower at your own pace Self-guided audio tour: $4.96
  • Flâneurs of Belleville: Explore the art of city walking on an audio walking tour: $5.00
  • One Hour Père Lachaise Cemetery Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.43
  • Marais: Explore this historic neighbourhood on a kid-friendly audio walking tour: $5.49

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Camargue and Aigues-Mortes safari tour from Montpellier: $112
  • Full Day Pic Saint Loup Wine and Olive Tour with Lunch from Montpellier: $373
  • Full Day Private Tour of Roman Monuments: $829
  • Full day small-group tour Vineyards and Villages from Montpellier: $149
  • Montpelier Discovery : Big Historic Tour - 1h30: $50
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour: $230
  • Montpellier Self-Guided Walking Tour with Qula City Trails: $36
  • Montpellier private walking tour: $198
  • Noilly Prat Vermouth Cellar Tour and Tastings in Marseillan: $22
  • Pic Saint Loup Winetour & food: $100
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $199
  • Private 4-hour City Tour of Montpellier with Hotel pick-up and drop off: $664

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris €19
    Montpellier €12
Typical Alcohol prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    €14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Pub Crawl in Latin Quarter: $37
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting in a Royal Wine Cellar in Paris: $40
  • Guided tour and wine tasting in a historic cellar in the center of Paris: $41
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $47
  • Organic wine tasting in Paris: $56
  • Wine Tasting In Paris: $83
  • Paris Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Cheese Cellar: $87
  • Paris Wine Tasting Session with Expert Sommelier: $89
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $97
  • Paris Wine Tasting plus Cheese & Cured Meat Lunch with an Expert Sommelier Guide: $97
  • Paris Evening Wine Tour and Tasting: $112
  • Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $112

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

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

  • Hike to the top of "Pic Saint Loup" and a wine tasting: $68
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $81
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $81
  • Private tour: Exclusive Wine Tour in Languedoc from Montpellier: $336

About these numbers

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

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Paris vs. Montpellier Travel Comparison

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