A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Como for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Como?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Como, 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Saint Andrews and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Como. Although Saint Andrews and Como are both popular with visitors, Como has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Como is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint Andrews is known for its museums and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Saint Andrews different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Como is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Saint Andrews or Como Better for Nightlife?

Both Saint Andrews and Como are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Saint Andrews or Como Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Andrews and Como have good beaches worth visiting.

Saint Andrews has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Saint Andrews or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a well-known place 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.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

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 Como?

Como is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Como make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Is Saint Andrews or Como Better for Families?

Como 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.

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

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

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Como is a great lake area to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Saint Andrews is a great destination 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.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Both Saint Andrews and Como offer good public transit options.

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

Como has some public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Saint Andrews or Como a more walkable city?

Como 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.

Como is a very walkable lake area. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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 Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Andrews or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint Andrews, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

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

One day in Saint Andrews or Como?

Saint Andrews is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Como?

Saint Andrews is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Como?

Saint Andrews is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This university town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Como. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This lake area 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 Como?

Because Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful lake area of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Andrews and Como, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Como much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Como would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Como 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 Como.

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 Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Saint Andrews during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the summer, Saint Andrews is much colder than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Andrews in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Como. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in July than Como. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Como. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 10°C (49°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Como. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Como. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Como can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Andrews. Saint Andrews is much colder than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Como. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Como. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Saint Andrews is much colder than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Andrews in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Como. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Saint Andrews