Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Zermatt?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Carcassonne can help you decide which place is right for you.
Zermatt is a charming, stunning, and iconic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.
Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and museums.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is known for its museums and historical sights. Zermatt is more touristy than Carcassonne and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carcassonne and Zermatt. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Zermatt is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, Carcassonne is not a skiing destination.
Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.
Carcassonne is not a skiing destination.
Carcassonne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.
Many visitors head to Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.
While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.
Both Zermatt and Carcassonne offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zermatt makes for a great culinary experience. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.
Carcassonne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.
Zermatt is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.
Zermatt has a large number of nightlife venues. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.
Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.
Zermatt is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Carcassonne is not a resort destination.
There are plenty of resorts in Zermatt to choose from. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.
Carcassonne is not a resort destination.
Carcassonne is very good for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to Carcassonne to see the historical old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.
Zermatt does not have a historic old town.
Zermatt is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.
Zermatt is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.
Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.
Zermatt is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.
Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Zermatt is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Zermatt is a very family-friendly destination. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.
Zermatt is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.
Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.
Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.
Both Zermatt and Carcassonne are high quality destinations for backpackers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.
Many backpackers visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.
Both Zermatt and Carcassonne offer good public transit options.
Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.
Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.
Zermatt and Carcassonne both are first-rate when exploring on foot.
It is easy to get around Zermatt on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Zermatt Worth Visiting? and Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zermatt or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zermatt than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.
Families should spend more time in Zermatt than Carcassonne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zermatt, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Zermatt than Carcassonne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zermatt that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt than Carcassonne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Zermatt.
Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the breathtaking town of Zermatt. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Zermatt. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carcassonne has to offer.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the iconic town of Zermatt. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
Carcassonne is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Zermatt. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carcassonne. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Zermatt is $223, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is $114. 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 Zermatt and Carcassonne in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Zermatt or Carcassonne? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:
Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Zermatt 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:
For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zermatt and Carcassonne, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt than you might in Carcassonne.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zermatt Expensive? and Is Carcassonne Expensive?.
Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Carcassonne, 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.
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.
Both Carcassonne and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Zermatt is around the same temperature as Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Carcassonne. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zermatt is cooler than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).
Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Carcassonne. The winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.
The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. In January, Zermatt is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.
Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Carcassonne and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Zermatt is around the same temperature as Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Zermatt | Carcassonne | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |