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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Como?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and Como. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Saint-Etienne and Como: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Como than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than Como, Como has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Como is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its museums. Como is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Como?

Saint-Etienne 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-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.

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-Etienne or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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-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-Etienne or Como Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Saint-Etienne and Como.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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-Etienne or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Como offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. 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-Etienne or Como?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Como draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

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-Etienne or Como Better for Families?

Como is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Como is very family-friendly. 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-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. 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-Etienne or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Como is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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-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-Etienne or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Como. 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-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Saint-Etienne and Como both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or Como a more walkable city?

Como is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

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

How long in Saint-Etienne or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

One day in Saint-Etienne or Como?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 scenic 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-Etienne or Como?

Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Saint-Etienne. This city 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 scenic 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-Etienne or Como?

The authentic city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife and museums. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, 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-Etienne and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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-Etienne Expensive? and Is Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Como?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne or Como?

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 Saint-Etienne or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Como. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Como. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Como. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Como. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Como and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Saint-Etienne is cooler than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Como. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Como and Saint-Etienne during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in April than Como. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Saint-Etienne