Which place is cheaper, Inverness or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Inverness?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Inverness? 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 Inverness?
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.
Inverness
Inverness is the northernmost city in Scotland, often referred to as the "gateway to the Highlands" as roads through Inverness lead to some of the most beautiful places in the Highlands. The city and surrounding area have a centuries old history, ranging from the battle of Culloden in the 1700's to Urquhart Castle that dates back to the 13th century. Inverness is the ideal place to explore Scotland's history and beauty, especially on a walk through the city or along the shore of the Firth. The warmest time of year is from June to September with temperatures usually in the 60's Fahrenheit and lighter rain. The rest of the year tends to be rainy and colder, with temperatures in the 40's Fahrenheit.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Inverness €196
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Inverness is €196. 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 Inverness in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Inverness €107
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Inverness €214
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Inverness
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Inverness? 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 Inverness Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Inverness €38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:
- Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
- Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
- Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
- Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
- Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
- Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
- Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
- Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
- Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
- Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Inverness?
Prices for flights to both Inverness 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 €42Inverness €57
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 €23Inverness €52
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 Inverness
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:
- City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
- Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
- Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
- SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
- Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
- Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
- Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
- Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
- Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
- Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
- Puffin Tour: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Inverness €27
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 Inverness
Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
- Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Inverness, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Inverness?
Inverness has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Inverness, 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 Inverness?
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 Inverness in the Summer?
Both Inverness and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is much warmer than Inverness. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Inverness averages at about 14°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Inverness. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Inverness 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Inverness in the Autumn?
Both Inverness and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Inverness in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Sintra is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Inverness. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Inverness 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Inverness in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Inverness. Also, most visitors come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Inverness can be very cold during winter. Sintra is much warmer than Inverness in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Inverness fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Inverness. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Inverness 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Inverness in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Inverness. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm.
In the spring, Sintra is much warmer than Inverness. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Inverness averages at about 7°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Inverness. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Inverness 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Inverness and Sintra
| Sintra | Inverness | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 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.