Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Tangier?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Tangier? 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 Tangier?
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.
Tangier
Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.
After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.
In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Tangier €57
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Tangier is €57. 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 Tangier in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Tangier €22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Tangier €44
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Tangier
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Tangier? 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 Tangier Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Tangier €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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier
Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Ferry Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $19
- Tangier Airport Transfers: $23
- Tangier Private Transfers: $23
- One-way Luxury Tangier Airport or Port Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Tangier from Tangier City Port : $25
- Private Transfer to Tangier City from Airport or Vice Versa: $25
- Private Airport Transfers: $25
- Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $26
- Transfers from - to Tangier airport: $27
- Private Transfer : Tangier Airport (TNG) ⇆ Tangier City: $28
- Transfer Tangier Airport to Tangier City: $33
- Vip Private Transfer From Airport / Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $34
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Tangier?
Prices for flights to both Tangier 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 €42Tangier €19
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 Tangier
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:
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Fruit & Yogurt€1.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier
For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
- Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
- Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
- Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
- Tangier food tour : $71
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
- Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
- Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
- Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
- The Food tour of Tangier: $76
- Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Tangier €18
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 Tangier
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tangier.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: $14
- Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $14
- From Marrakesh: Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $17
- Tangier Stroll: Public Guided Tour: $17
- Tangier walking tour: $17
- Tangier Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $25
- Tangier Private Walking Tour: $26
- Tangier Guided Walking Experience: $26
- Touristic guide: $28
- 3 Hours Tangier walking Tour in Old Medina,Kasbah & berber market: $31
- Walking Tour Tangier Medina: $31
- Tangier Highlights Tour: Exploring the Cultural Gems: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Tangier €9.87
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Tangier, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sintra is in Europe and Tangier is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Sintra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra than you might in Tangier.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Tangier Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Tangier?
Tangier has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Tangier, 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 Tangier?
Sintra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sintra or Tangier in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Tangier. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Tangier in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Tangier fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tangier. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Tangier. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Tangier 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Tangier in the Autumn?
Both Tangier and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Sintra is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Tangier averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Tangier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Tangier. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Tangier 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Tangier in the Winter?
Both Tangier and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.
In January, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Tangier. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun.
Tangier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Tangier. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Tangier 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Tangier in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Tangier. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Tangier in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Tangier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tangier during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tangier. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Tangier 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Tangier and Sintra
| Sintra | Tangier | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.