Which place is cheaper, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Fort-de-France?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Fort-de-France or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fort-de-France and Carmel-by-the-Sea can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fort-de-France or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Fort-de-France
As the largest city and capital of Martinique, Fort-de-France serves as the main entryway for visitors traveling to the island. It is a busy city with a significant population, which creates an atmosphere bustling with traffic amidst its historic and cultural sights.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
-
Fort-de-France Prices
Martinique PricesCarmel-by-the-Sea Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFort-de-France $228Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Fort-de-France is $228, while the average daily cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. 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 Fort-de-France and Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFort-de-France $92Carmel-by-the-Sea -
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFort-de-France $184Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Fort-de-France and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Looking for a hotel in Fort-de-France or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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: Fort-de-France Hotel Prices and Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fort-de-France $18Carmel-by-the-Sea $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort-de-France
Also for Fort-de-France, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fort de France to Martinique Airport (FDF) - Departure Transfer: $66
- Martinique Airport (FDF) to Fort de France - Arrival Transfer: $69
- Transfer from Fort de France Port to Martinique Airport (FDF): $77
- Private Transfer Martinique Airport (FDF) to Fort de France Port: $77
- Private Transfer from Fort de France Port to Fort de France: $77
- Private Transfer from Fort de France to Fort de France Port: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Fort-de-France or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Fort-de-France 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
-
Food Meals for one dayFort-de-France $117Carmel-by-the-Sea $264
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort-de-France
For Fort-de-France, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food tour in the rainforest and St Pierre - Pile et Face: $104
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Old Monterey Walking Food Tour: $164
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fort-de-France $36Carmel-by-the-Sea -
Tours and Activities in Fort-de-France
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fort-de-France.
- Habitation Clement - entrance ticket: $15
- Small train tour of a banana farm in Martinique: $22
- Fort-de-France Private 2-Hour Walking Tour: $26
- Mangrove Guided Tour: $43
- Karaib Tour: $66
- Fort-de-France Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour: $71
- Martinique Shore Excursion - Unmissable Martinique North tour: $75
- Authentic Tour of Southern Martinique: $75
- Martinique Shore Excursion - Authentic Tour of Southern Martinique: $75
- Scenic Tropical Rainforest & Island Tour: $82
- Martinique: Coral and Turtle Coves Cruise: $84
- Half-Day Nature and Panorama Tour in Martinique: $108
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $75
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Carmel: $15
- 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour: $169
- 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Monterey: $75
- 4 Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey: $85
- Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $149
- Carmel Tour in The Heavenly 17 Mile Drive: $30
- Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea: $40
- Carmel on Foot Audio Tour: Courtyards, Artists & Ocean Views: $9.99
- Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $75
- Carmel-by-the-Sea 2.5-3 Hour Electric Bike Tour: $79
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFort-de-France $12Carmel-by-the-Sea -
Sample the Local Flavors in Fort-de-France
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort-de-France:
- Small-Group Tour: Unmissable Martinique with Rum Distillery, Ruins, and More: $75
- North Tour: rainforest, rum distillery, black sand beach etc: $120
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Wine Tasting Tours in a Vintage VW Bus: $139
- Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus.: $139
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package: $245
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort-de-France and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Fort-de-France is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fort-de-France is in Caribbean Islands and Carmel-by-the-Sea is in North America, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Fort-de-France would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort-de-France than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort-de-France Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fort-de-France or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Fort-de-France has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Fort-de-France and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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.
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.