Is Nice expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Nice is expensive, one of the pricier cities in France after Paris, especially for hotels in summer, with a mid-range day at about €222 per person. Still, it is far cheaper than Monaco, Cannes or Saint-Tropez, and buses, trains, markets and public beaches keep a visit affordable.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €60 | €120 | €300 |
| Food & drink | €30 | €60 | €120 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €30 | €60 |
| Local transport | €6 | €12 | €40 |
| Per person, per day | €106 | €222 | €520 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Nice day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Espresso at a café | about €2–3 |
| Socca from a stall | about €4–5 |
| Pan bagnat sandwich | about €6–9 |
| Glass of rosé on a terrace | about €6–9 |
| Bus or tram ticket (Lignes d'Azur) | about €2 |
| Tram from the airport | about €2 (line 2, about 25 minutes) |
| Èze exotic garden | about €8 |
| Private beach sunbed | about €25–40 a day |
| Mid-range double room, Vieux Nice | about €160–280 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels take most of the budget: a double in Vieux Nice or the Carré d'Or runs about €160–290, much more in July, August and during the Carnival, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival, plus a city tax per person per night. Restaurants on the Cours Saleya and the Promenade charge tourist prices, and private beach clubs add €25–40 a day for a sunbed. In contrast, the beaches, Castle Hill and the old town are free, and buses and trains along the coast cost only a few euros.
When it is cheaper
November to March (outside Carnival in February) is cheapest, with hotel rates often 30–50% below summer and mild, sunny days around 14–17°C. Prices peak in July and August and during big May events.
How to spend less
- Use Lignes d'Azur buses and TER trains for Monaco, Èze, Antibes and Cannes rather than taxis or tours.
- Swim at the free public beaches; bring water shoes for the pebbles.
- Eat socca, pissaladière and pan bagnat from stalls rather than sit-down lunches on the Cours Saleya.
- Stay near Nice-Ville station or Jean-Médecin for cheaper rooms with good transport.
- Avoid dates of the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival in May.
- Check free museums: many municipal museums in Nice are free on certain days or with a city pass.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Nice cost?
About €106 per person on a budget, €222 mid-range and €520 for comfort, sharing a double. A city tax is added per person per night.
Is Nice cheaper than Cannes or Monaco?
Yes, for hotels and food. Nice is the most affordable base on the Riviera, with cheap trains and buses to both.
Are the beaches in Nice free?
Yes, the public beaches are free; private beach clubs charge about €25–40 for a sunbed.