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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne?

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

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

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Andrews and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews than Saint-Etienne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Andrews is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Also, Saint Andrews is famous for The Old Course. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

The Old Course
The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

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

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 Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.


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

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Saint Andrews is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Both Saint Andrews and Saint-Etienne are notable 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Saint Andrews is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Saint Andrews and Saint-Etienne are both places where visitors can find notable hiking trails.

Saint Andrews has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne?

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Saint Andrews is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Saint Andrews and Saint-Etienne are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly university town. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.


Is Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Saint Andrews is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Saint Andrews is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Both Saint Andrews and Saint-Etienne offer notable public transit options.

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

Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.


Is Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews
Saint-Etienne

Saint Andrews and Saint-Etienne both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable university town. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint Andrews.


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

One day in Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne?

Even though Saint Andrews is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Saint Andrews is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This university 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Saint-Etienne. This city 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 Saint-Etienne?

Saint Andrews is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Saint-Etienne. 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 Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne is £92. 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 Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Andrews £116
    Saint-Etienne £39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Andrews £232
    Saint-Etienne £78
Compare Hotels in Saint Andrews and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne? 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 Saint-Etienne


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Andrews £53
    Saint-Etienne £38

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne 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
    Saint-Etienne £29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Andrews £45
    Saint-Etienne £22

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Andrews £26
    Saint-Etienne £8.68


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

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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

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

Saint Andrews is much colder than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Andrews 14°C (58°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Saint Andrews during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Saint Andrews can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Saint-Etienne. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Saint Andrews is much colder than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)