Which place is cheaper, Florence or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Florence?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Florence? 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 Florence?
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.
Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Florence €154
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Florence is €154. 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 Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Florence €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Florence €174
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Florence? 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 Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Florence €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€25
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In City Parking (Full Day)€30
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Bus Pass (Full Day)€5.00
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Bus From Airport€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From The Mall Firenze Shuttle Transfer: $15
- Shared Bus Transfer to/from Pisa Airport: $16
- Florence hotels to Florence Airport (FLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
- Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence: $51
- From La Spezia: Round-Trip Bus Transfer to Florence: $52
- Private Florence Airport to Hotel Transfer: $59
- Arrival Private Transfer Florence Station SMN to Florence City by Sedan or Van: $60
- Departure Private Transfer Florence City to Florence Station SMN by Sedan or Van: $60
- From Round Trip Transfer to Cinque Terre: $63
- Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $63
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (Florence Airport To/From Florence Hotels): $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence 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 €42Florence €36
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
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich€6.50
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
- Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
- Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Florence €30
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
- Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
- 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
- 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
- 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
- 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
- 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
- Amazing Sintra tour: $91
- Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi€11
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi€4.00
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Firenze Card (for Two)€100
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)€20
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee€6.00
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee€7.00
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- The Best tour in Renaissance and Medici Tales: $0.02
- Renaissance and Medici Tales Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
- Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.26
- Sunset Walking Tour: $3.27
- Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.27
- Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.27
- Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
- The Towers of Florence Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Florence: $5.44
- Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Florence €18
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti€4.20
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Bottle of Wine€7.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
- 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Florence?
Florence has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Florence, 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 Florence?
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 Sintra or Florence in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Florence. Additionally, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Florence. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Florence 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Florence in the Autumn?
Both Florence and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Florence during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Florence. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Florence 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Florence in the Winter?
Both Florence and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is much warmer than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Florence. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Florence 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Florence in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Florence. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Florence during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Florence. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Florence 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Florence and Sintra
| Sintra | Florence | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.