A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Vigo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisbon or Vigo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisbon or Vigo? 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: Lisbon or Vigo?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

Vigo

Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Vigo or Lisbon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €167, while the average daily cost in Vigo is €125. 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 Lisbon and Vigo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon 63
    Vigo 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 126
    Vigo 86
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Vigo

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon or Vigo? 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.

Hotels in Lisbon


Hotels in Vigo


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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Vigo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon 25
    Vigo 37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lisbon Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $13
  • Transfer Between Airport and City Hotels: $15
  • Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport, Train Station or Port: $16
  • Airport Private Transfer to/from Lisbon city hotels: $16
  • Lisbon Cruise Port: Private Transfer to hotels or airport: $16
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotels to Lisbon Airport or Cruise : $16
  • Lisbon Airport (LIS) Private Transfer to Lisbon City/Hotels: $20
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Lisbon City Center: $22
  • Private Transfers, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Ericeira, Setubal: $24
  • Jardim do Tabaco Quay Cruise Port to Lisbon - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
  • Private Transfer from Lisbon Cruise Port to Lisbon Hotels: $25
  • Private Transfer from Lisbon hotels to Lisbon Cruise Port: $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:

  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $206
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $206

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Vigo?

Prices for flights to both Vigo and Lisbon 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 day
    Lisbon 73
    Vigo 61
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pizza Cruise on a Luxury Boat with Open Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Sunset DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Exclusive Sunset Cruise – Pizza, Open Bar & Dolphins: $29
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $32
  • Lisbon Sunset DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $35
  • Traditional Walking Food Tour: $50
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $57
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $58
  • Lisbon Sangria – Exclusive Luxury Cruise with Pizza & Music: $58
  • Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks: $59
  • Pizza Cruise on a Luxury Boat with Open Bar: $60
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vigo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vigo.

  • Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $178

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Vigo 10

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unravel Lisbon an Outdoor Charms Self Guided Tour: $1.17
  • Alfama and Mouraria Tour - The oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon: $1.23
  • Lisbon Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.23
  • Lisbon Walking Tour - Discover Belém and the Discoveries Age: $1.78
  • Lisbon Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.35
  • Alfama Walking Tour Lisbon: $3.57
  • Bairro Alto + Downtown Walking Tour: $3.57
  • Self Guided Tour in Lisbon with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
  • Lisbon Tour in Walled City and Alfama and Old Town: $3.57
  • Lisbon City Center Tour - The Unmissable Lisbon: $3.57
  • Alfama Tour in Lisbon Old Town: $3.57
  • Historic Walking Tour Through Lisbon’s Oldest Neighborhood: $3.57

Tours and Activities in Vigo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vigo are as follows:

  • Celta Vigo Abanca Balaídos Stadium Tour: $26
  • Discover Vigo Historical and Cultural Private Walking Tour: $56
  • Discover Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $24
  • Excursion from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela - Cruise-ship passengers only: $82
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from Vigo for Cruisers Only: $82
  • Guided Group Walking Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers: $30
  • Guided Walking Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers: $30
  • Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $21
  • Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $25
  • Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
  • Private Tour in Ourense: $89
  • Private Vigo experience: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon 18
    Vigo 5.71

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • Lisbon Port Wine Tasting at Taylors Shop and Tasting Room: $19
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots & VIP Club Entry: $23
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar (Premium Upgrade Available): $23
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: Unlimited Drinks, Shots & V.I.P Club Entry: $23
  • Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $24
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting: $25
  • Guided Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif: $28
  • Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif at Portuguese Wine Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Wine Tasting: $29
  • Catamaran Luxury Sunset and Wine Tour: $42


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Vigo, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Vigo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vigo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vigo 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in Vigo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lisbon Expensive? and Is Vigo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Vigo?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Vigo. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Vigo, 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 Lisbon or Vigo?

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 Lisbon or Vigo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Vigo. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Vigo. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Vigo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vigo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Vigo. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 299 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Vigo. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Vigo 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Vigo in the Autumn?

Both Vigo and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Vigo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Vigo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Vigo during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vigo. In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Vigo. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Vigo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Vigo in the Winter?

Both Vigo and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

In the winter, Lisbon is a little warmer than Vigo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Vigo averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Vigo. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 110 hours of full sun.

Vigo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets less rain in January than Vigo. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Vigo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Vigo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Vigo. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Vigo. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Vigo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Vigo during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vigo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Vigo. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Vigo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Vigo and Lisbon

Lisbon Vigo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 228 mm (9 in)