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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or San Remo?

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 San Remo. 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 historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or San Remo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Remo than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than San Remo, San Remo has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Remo is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its museums and hiking. San Remo is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its olives, lemons, and flower market. It is also home to The Flower Market. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have 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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

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

San Remo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

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 San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

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

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 San Remo. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

San Remo is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Remo for it's beautiful beaches. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.


Is Saint-Etienne or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

San Remo is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Remo Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

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.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or San Remo?

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Remo. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

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 San Remo Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

San Remo 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, San Remo is very family-friendly. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo Better for Couples?

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

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

San Remo is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

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 San Remo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

Saint-Etienne and San Remo 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.

San Remo has a few public transit options. There are local buses around town.


Is Saint-Etienne or San Remo a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne
San Remo

San Remo 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.

San Remo is a very walkable coastal city. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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 San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or San Remo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Remo 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 San Remo.


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

One day in Saint-Etienne or San Remo?

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. 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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of San Remo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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-Etienne or San Remo?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Etienne, 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 San Remo. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 San Remo?

Saint-Etienne 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 shopping when visiting the historic destination of San Remo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal 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-Etienne or San Remo?

Saint-Etienne 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 city offers something for everyone.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful coastal city of San Remo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo or Saint-Etienne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint-Etienne is €108, while the average daily cost in San Remo is €152. 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-Etienne and San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint-Etienne 46
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint-Etienne 92
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Saint-Etienne and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Saint-Etienne or San Remo? 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-Etienne


Hotels in San Remo


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: San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint-Etienne 44
    San Remo 46

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint-Etienne or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo and Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne 34
    San Remo 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint-Etienne 25
    San Remo 23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint-Etienne 10
    San Remo 14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint-Etienne and San Remo, we can see that San Remo 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 San Remo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Remo 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 San Remo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or San Remo?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and San Remo. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Remo this time of the year. In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than San Remo. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as San Remo. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Remo. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. Saint-Etienne is much colder than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than San Remo. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and Saint-Etienne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint-Etienne is cooler than San Remo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and San Remo averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Remo. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)