Which place is cheaper, Birmingham or Sintra?
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 Sintra or Birmingham?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Birmingham? 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 Birmingham?
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.
Birmingham
Birmingham, England, is often known as Britain's second-largest city. It is located in the western Midlands of England. Birmingham is nearly in the center of England, so almost all rail and motorways cross here. The city gained popularity and status during the industrial revolution and is still one of the main cities for industrial production and power, ranging from electricity to metal. Because of its importance as an industrial hub, it is one of the most populated cities in England. In more recent years, Birmingham has done a lot to add to the overall cultural scene of the city with the addition of museums and art.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom.
-
Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesBirmingham Prices
UK Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Birmingham €184
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Birmingham is €184. 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 Birmingham in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Birmingham €75
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Birmingham €150
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Birmingham
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Birmingham? 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 Birmingham Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Birmingham €29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
- Tours and Transfers: $98
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham
Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Birmingham Airport : Bus transferring to/from Birmingham: $5.79
- Birmingham Airport : Bus transferring to/from Leicester: $11
- Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $64
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Business Car: $70
- Departure Private Transfers from Birmingham to Airport BHX in Business Car: $70
- Birmingham to Birmingham Airport BHX - Departure Private Transfer: $73
- Birmingham Airport (BHX) to Birmingham - Arrival Private Transfer: $73
- Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $125
- Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $127
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Birmingham?
Prices for flights to both Birmingham 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
-
Food Meals for one daySintra €73Birmingham €76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car: $103
- Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $109
- DINNER OR TAPAS in a Poruguese Home : $113
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience: $120
- Pastel de Nata or Portuguese Cooking Class in Sintra with Locals: $140
Typical Food Prices in Birmingham
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:
-
Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station€6.38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham
For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self Guided Half Day Food Tour in Birmingham: $94
- Delicious Healthy Cooking Classes: $121
- Traditional Mediterranean Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $149
- Spanish Tapas and Paella Cooking Class (Includes 5-Course Meal): $149
- Italian Cooking Class With Tiramisu in Birmingham: $149
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Birmingham €55
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Self Guided Tour Sintra & Cabo da Roca : $57
- 19th Century Photography Experience: $48
- 2 Hours Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Sintra: $78
- 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $66
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $167
- Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Boat tour: charming Cascais Coast to Lisbon lighthouse: $57
- Cascais Coastal EBike Tour: $66
- Cascais Coastal Secrets 90 Minute Cruise with Free Wine and Beer: $57
- Cascais Electric Bike Tour Self-Guided Half-Day Experience: $72
- Cascais to Lisbon Sunset Cruise with Open Bar: $57
- Cascais: Glamour and Decay by The Lisbon Coastline - Private Tour: $36
Tours and Activities in Birmingham
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.
- Birmingham Ghost Hunt: Haunted Self-Guide Tour & Quest: $5.94
- Birmingham Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.41
- Photography Walking Tour in Birmingham: $6.80
- Birmingham Bricks and Canals Self Guided Tour with App: $7.51
- Birmingham Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury: $12
- Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $12
- Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket: $13
- Skip the Line: House and Garden Admission Ticket : $13
- Birmingham Historical Tour: $16
- 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $19
- Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 2pm): $19
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Birmingham €13
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: $84
- Wine Tasting Tour: $89
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $90
- From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour: $100
- Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $197
- PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $233
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $316
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham than you might in Sintra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Birmingham Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Birmingham?
Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?
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 Birmingham in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Birmingham. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is a little warmer than Birmingham in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Birmingham. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Birmingham 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Birmingham in the Autumn?
Both Birmingham and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.
In the autumn, Sintra is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Birmingham averages at about 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Birmingham 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Birmingham in the Winter?
Both Birmingham and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Birmingham can be very cold during winter. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Birmingham. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Birmingham 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Birmingham in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Birmingham.
Sintra is much warmer than Birmingham in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Birmingham 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Birmingham and Sintra
| Sintra | Birmingham | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.