Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Santander?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Santander and Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel?
Santander
Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.
Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantander €108Mont-Saint-Michel €156
The average daily cost (per person) in Santander is €108, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. 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 Santander and Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantander €51Mont-Saint-Michel €70
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantander €102Mont-Saint-Michel €140
Compare Hotels in Santander and Mont-Saint-Michel
Looking for a hotel in Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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.
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: Santander Hotel Prices and Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santander €24Mont-Saint-Michel €70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
- Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $44
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel?
Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel and Santander 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 daySantander €41Mont-Saint-Michel €44
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santander €18Mont-Saint-Michel €30
Tours and Activities in Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
- From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
- Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
- Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $55
- From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
- Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
- Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $79
- Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82
Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel
Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Audio Tour around Mont Saint-Michele island: $5.45
- Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
- Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
- Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
- Walking Tour in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel: $16
- 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
- Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
- Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
- Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215
- Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantander €14Mont-Saint-Michel €7.86
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santander and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Santander much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santander would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santander 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel than you might in Santander.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santander Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel?
Santander has a larger population, and is about 2290 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Santander and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel?
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 Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?
Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.
In July, Santander is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 19°C (66°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Santander usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySantander 19°C (66°F)Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?
Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Santander during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
Santander is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the autumn, Santander often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Santander gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSantander 16°C (60°F)Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
In the winter, Santander is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santander in January average around 9°C (49°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Santander usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Santander usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySantander 9°C (49°F)Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Santander or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Santander as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Santander is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 12°C (53°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Santander often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.
Santander receives a lot of rain in the spring. Santander usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSantander 12°C (53°F)Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Santander
| Santander | Mont-Saint-Michel | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.