A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Chartres for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Chartres, 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 historic, charming, and quaint university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Saint Andrews and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • 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 couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Also, Saint Andrews is famous for The Old Course. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

The Old Course
The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Chartres?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Chartres.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.


Is the Food Better in Saint Andrews or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Saint Andrews is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Andrews has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Saint Andrews or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Saint Andrews is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Andrews has a few options to choose from. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saint Andrews or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Saint Andrews is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Saint Andrews is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Andrews or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Saint Andrews is a popular place for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Chartres?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Saint Andrews is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Chartres Better for Families?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Saint Andrews is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Saint Andrews offers lots of family activities. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.


Is Saint Andrews or Chartres Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Saint Andrews is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Saint Andrews is a great university town if you're traveling as 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.

Chartres is a good university town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Saint Andrews or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Chartres is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chartres. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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 Chartres Better for Students?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Saint Andrews is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Saint Andrews. 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.

Chartres is not popular with students.


Is Saint Andrews or Chartres Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Chartres is a well-known place 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 public transit in Chartres can get you around easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Chartres a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews
Chartres

Chartres 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.

Chartres is a very walkable town. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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 Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Andrews or Chartres to fill your time. In our opinion, Saint Andrews has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Andrews than Chartres. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Andrews or Chartres? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Andrews 1-2 
    Chartres 1-2

One day in Saint Andrews or Chartres?

Saint Andrews is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 museums when visiting the grand destination of Chartres. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Saint Andrews or Chartres?

Saint Andrews is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this university town makes for a great vacation. 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 Chartres. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Chartres?

Saint Andrews is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the spectacular destination of Chartres. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Chartres?

Saint Andrews is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This university town offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and food around the town of Chartres. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chartres or Saint Andrews?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Andrews is £215, while the average daily cost in Chartres is £100. 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 Saint Andrews and Chartres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Andrews £116
    Chartres £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Andrews £232
    Chartres £102
Compare Hotels in Saint Andrews and Chartres

Looking for a hotel in Saint Andrews or Chartres? 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 Saint Andrews


Hotels in Chartres


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: Chartres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Andrews £53
    Chartres £22

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Andrews or Chartres?

Prices for flights to both Chartres and Saint Andrews 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
    Saint Andrews £62
    Chartres £33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Andrews £45
    Chartres £19

Tours and Activities in Saint Andrews

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Andrews are as follows:

  • Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour: $145
  • Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students: $146
  • Private St. Andrews Tour with Dedicated Local Guide: $146
  • Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $146
  • Rebels, Romance & Raisins St. Andrew's Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • St Andrews - Watch Building Experience with Kartel Scotland: $245
  • St Andrews Ghost Tours: $20
  • St Andrews Golf Oriented Heritage Tours - Town and Old Course: $19
  • St Andrews History Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm): $18
  • St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer: $19
  • St Andrews Walking Tours: $19

Tours and Activities in Chartres

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Andrews £26
    Chartres £10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Andrews and Chartres, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Chartres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chartres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chartres 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews than you might in Chartres.

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 Chartres Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews and Chartres, 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 Saint Andrews or Chartres?

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 Saint Andrews or Chartres in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chartres. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Andrews 14°C (58°F) 
    Chartres 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Chartres. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F) 
    Chartres 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Saint Andrews during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. In January, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F) 
    Chartres 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Chartres. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

Saint Andrews is much colder than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Chartres. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F) 
    Chartres 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Chartres and Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews Chartres
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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