Which place is cheaper, Cardiff or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Cardiff?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Cardiff? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Sintra or Cardiff?
Sintra
Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Cardiff €182
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Cardiff is €182. 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 Sintra and Cardiff in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Cardiff €109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Cardiff €218
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Cardiff
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Cardiff? 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: Sintra Hotel Prices and Cardiff Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Cardiff €25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:
- Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
- Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
- Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
- Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
- Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
- Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
- Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
- Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Cardiff?
Prices for flights to both Cardiff and Sintra 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
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Food Meals for one daySintra €42Cardiff €51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Cardiff €29
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- Discover Enchanted A Fairy-Tale Free Tour: $1.28
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $3.74
- Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket: $4.28
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Pena Palace In-app Audio Tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): $7.44
- Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $13
- Sintra Sightseeing Train Tour: $13
- National Palace of Sintra and Gardens Fast Track Ticket: $14
- National Sintra Palace Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $16
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra: $16
- Castle of the Moors E-Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $18
Tours and Activities in Cardiff
Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
- Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
- Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
- Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
- Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
- Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Cardiff €15
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
- Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $60
- Hiking and Wine Tasting Experience: $71
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $82
- Wine Tasting Tour: $82
- Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
- Excursion from Lisbon to Setúbal: Nature, Beach and Wine Tasting: $125
- Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $175
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
- From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $235
Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff
Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
- Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Sintra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Cardiff Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Cardiff?
Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Cardiff, 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 Sintra or Cardiff?
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 Sintra or Cardiff in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Cardiff. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.
In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Cardiff 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cardiff in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Cardiff. Additionally, many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sintra is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Cardiff. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Cardiff 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cardiff in the Winter?
Both Cardiff and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Sintra is much warmer than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Cardiff 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cardiff in the Spring?
Both Cardiff and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Sintra is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Cardiff. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Cardiff 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Cardiff and Sintra
| Sintra | Cardiff | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 96 mm (3.8 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.