Which place is cheaper, Pisa or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Pisa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Pisa? 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 Pisa?
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.
Pisa
Located in Tuscany, Pisa is most famous for its Leaning Tower. The city has a population of about 100,000 people and there are a surprising number of impressive sights that you might miss if you simply pass through to see the tower. There are many architectural and artistic sights that make the city noteworthy as well. The atmosphere of Pisa is also influenced by its university. Of the 100,000 person population, about 60,000 are students. The students bring the city to life with many parties, shows, and interesting cultural events. They stay active into the night and entertainment options are not limited. The student presence is most obvious once you're outside of the touristy Campo dei Miracoli.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Pisa €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Pisa is €120. 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 Pisa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Pisa €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Pisa €120
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Pisa
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Pisa? 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 Pisa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Pisa €11
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa
Also for Pisa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to San Giuliano Terme: $69
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Vecchiano: $69
- Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Calambrone: $79
- Private Transfer from Calambrone to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $79
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Calci: $79
- Private Transfer from Calci to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $79
- Private Transfer: Pisa Airport PSA to Pisa city in Luxury Van: $85
- Private Transfer: Pisa city to Pisa Airport PSA in Luxury Van: $85
- Pisa Private Transfer from Pisa city centre to Pisa Airport: $87
- Private Transfer from Pisa city hotels to Livorno Cruise Port: $91
- Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA) to La Spezia Cruise Port: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Pisa?
Prices for flights to both Pisa 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 €42Pisa €50
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 Pisa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:
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Dinner€75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa
For Pisa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $39
- Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
- Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
- Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
- Pisa Food Tour: $95
- Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
- Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
- Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $521
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Pisa €20
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
Tours and Activities in Pisa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.
- Tower of Pisa & Square of Miracles self guided audio tour: $4.27
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Pisa: $8.72
- Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- The Best of Pisa Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Pisa Cathedral Guided Tour and Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $16
- Square of Miracles guided tour with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $17
- Baptistery and Cathedral Ticket with Audio Guide: $19
- Camposanto and Cathedral Entry Tickets and Audio Guide: $19
- Guided Walking Tour with Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Pisa -
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 Pisa
Also in Pisa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
- Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
- Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
- From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
- Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
- Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
- Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
- Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $663
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Pisa, we can see that Pisa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Pisa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Pisa?
Pisa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Pisa, 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 Pisa?
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 Pisa in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Pisa. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Pisa averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Pisa. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Pisa 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Pisa in the Autumn?
Both Pisa and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Pisa. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Pisa 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Pisa in the Winter?
Both Pisa and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is much warmer than Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa 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 Pisa. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Pisa 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Pisa in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Pisa. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Pisa. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Pisa 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Pisa and Sintra
| Sintra | Pisa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.