Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Porto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Porto or Coimbra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Coimbra can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Porto or Coimbra?
Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.
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Porto Prices
Portugal PricesCoimbra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPorto €160Coimbra €138
The average daily cost (per person) in Porto is €160, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €138. 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 Porto and Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPorto €72Coimbra €44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPorto €144Coimbra €88
Compare Hotels in Porto and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Porto or Coimbra? 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.
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: Porto Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Porto €21Coimbra €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto
Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from porto airport to Porto city (or return): $116
- Transfer from Porto to the Douro Valley: $293
- Transfer from Porto City Hotels Accommodations to Porto Airport: $32
- Transfer Taxi Service Porto , Gaia , Airport , Train , Bus , Ship: $62
- Transfer Porto to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport: $20
- Transfer Porto Centro to Airport (OPO): $41
- Transfer Oporto - Aeroport / Up to 4 passengers: $29
- Transfer Airport (OPO) - Porto Centro: $47
- Surf Lessons in Porto with transfer at Porto Surf School: $60
- Private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto: $544
- Private transfer from Oporto to Lisbon or Lisbon to Oporto: $263
- Private Transfer to Porto from Tarouca: $132
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova: $293
- Private transfer from/to Fatima - Porto, Coimbra or Aveiro: $269
- Private transfer from Porto Airport to Coimbra: $211
- Private transfer from/to Fátima - Porto, Braga or Guimarães: $209
- Transfer from Lisboa to Coimbra with visit to Fátima Sanctuary, half day: $198
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $158
- Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $156
Is it cheaper to fly into Porto or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Porto 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
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Food Meals for one dayPorto €63Coimbra €83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto
For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegan Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Port Wine: $41
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Porto Wine (Lapa): $41
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Porto Wine (Sé do Porto): $41
- Porto Food Tour Market Tapas and Port Wine Cellar Experience: $70
- Authentic Porto Small Group Food Tour with Local Tastings: $87
- Porto Food Tour: $88
- Aveiro Private Cooking Experience (for vacation rental guests): $88
- Small Group Porto Food Tour Traditional Taverns and Local Dishes: $88
- Authentic Porto Food Tour + Traditional Restaurant Stop: $88
- Food Tour: Wine, Beer & Liquor - Porto’s Secret Spots: $94
- Private Porto Market Tour & Authentic Portuguese Cooking Class: $99
- Fado Tour with Guide, Dinner & Live Show in Porto: $99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Erotic Cabaret Show and Dinner: $64
- Bairrada Food Tour: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Porto €25Coimbra €18
Tours and Activities in Porto
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.
- 1 Day Tour to Douro Valley from Porto: $222
- 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Porto: $33
- 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $51
- 3-Hour Porto Jewish Heritage Walking Tour with Local Guide: $35
- 3D Fun Art Museum Porto Ticket: $15
- 3h30 tour in Porto by Tuk Tuk: $115
- 4 Hour Blissful Wave Experience at Maceda Haven: $82
- 516 Arouca Bridge & Paiva Walkways Tour with Lunch from Porto: $135
- AVEIRO COSTA NOVA AND COIMBRA Private Tour from Porto: $225
- Alvarinho Wine Private Tour from Porto – Melgaço & Vinho Verde: $257
- Aveiro Canal Cruise in Traditional Moliceiro Boat: $15
- Aveiro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.43
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra: $249
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $99
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $88
- Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $88
- Aveiro, Barra and Costa Nova | Full-day Private Tour: $227
- Best of Coimbra Private Walking Tour with University Late Visit: $82
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $29
- Buggy Tour in Serra da Lousã 2Hours: $146
- Buracas do Casmilo Private Hiking Tour from Coimbra: $105
- Coimbra - Condeixa: 120-minute Off-road Buggy Adventure: $303
- Coimbra - Condeixa: 240-minute Off-Road Buggy Adventure: $512
- Coimbra - Condeixa: 60-minute Off-road Buggy Adventure: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPorto €19Coimbra €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Porto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Activity in Matosinhos Portugal: $25
- Poças Guided Visit and Wine Tasting of 3 Port Wines: $27
- Premium wine tasting at Quinta das Arcas: $28
- Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $29
- Cellar Tour, Port Wine Tasting & Fado Show at Fonseca: $29
- Taylor's Port Cellars Visit & Port Wine Tasting: $29
- Porto Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour with Wine tasting & Night tour: $32
- Authentic Oporto Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $33
- Cálem Cellar Tour, Live Fado Show and Wine Tasting: $33
- Porto City Tour with Wine Tasting: $40
- Portuguese Tile Painting Workshop with Port Wine Tasting: $41
- Porto 6 Bridge Boat Tour & Wine Tasting Experience: $47
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites: $31
- Coimbra Food and Wine Tasting Private Guided Walk: $41
- Bairrada Sommelier Experience Wine Tasting and Lunch: $186
When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Coimbra, we can see that Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Porto or Coimbra?
Porto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Coimbra, 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 Porto or Coimbra?
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 Porto or Coimbra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Coimbra. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Porto is generally cooler than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Porto usually receives more rain than Coimbra. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPorto 21°C (69°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Porto or Coimbra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Coimbra. The autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Porto is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Coimbra. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPorto 17°C (62°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Porto or Coimbra in the Winter?
Both Coimbra and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year.
In the winter, Porto is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Coimbra averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Coimbra. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPorto 10°C (50°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Porto or Coimbra in the Spring?
Both Coimbra and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Coimbra. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPorto 14°C (56°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Porto
| Porto | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.