A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a quaint, peaceful, and historic university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class, spectacular, and awe-inspiring mountain town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Saint Andrews and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its museums, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for Mont Blanc. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

Mont Blanc

How is Saint Andrews different from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Saint Andrews. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for snow skiing. However, Saint Andrews is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is among the best in the world. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Saint Andrews is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Saint Andrews is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Andrews and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Nightlife?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers plenty to do in the evening. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for its resorts. However, Saint Andrews is not a resort destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Saint Andrews is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is a good destination for the beache. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Saint Andrews offers a nice beach destination. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Hiking?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Saint Andrews is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint Andrews is well-known for its shopping. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Families?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very kid-friendly mountain town. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly university town. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Couples?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for couples.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Saint Andrews makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not popular with students.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not popular with students.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is terrific for its public transit. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can take you anywhere. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc a more walkable city?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable mountain town. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Andrews Worth Visiting? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Both Saint Andrews and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Saint Andrews. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint Andrews, and 4-7 days is enough time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Saint Andrews 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

One day in Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Saint Andrews is a small town with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the epic destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people visit Saint Andrews for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Andrews, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Because Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the world-class destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Since Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. This university town offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the beautiful mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Andrews and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Saint Andrews has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.