Which place is cheaper, Lyon or Chania?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Lyon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Chania is a historic, idyllic, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.
Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Chania than Lyon. While Lyon is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chania is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Lyon is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Chania is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Lyon is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lyon and Chania. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Lyon is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lyon on the map. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Chania. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.
Foodies will find both Chania and Lyon both to be amazing destinations.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.
Many restaurants in Lyon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.
Lyon is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
Lyon is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.
If you're looking for night time activities Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.
Chania is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.
Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Chania is an amazing city to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.
The beaches in Chania are among the best in the world. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.
Lyon is not a beach destination.
Lyon is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.
The historic old town of Lyon is revered around the world. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.
Chania is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.
Chania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.
Chania is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.
Lyon is not a hiking destination.
Lyon is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lyon. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.
Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chania. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.
Chania and Lyon are both superb destinations for the whole family.
Chania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.
Lyon is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.
Chania and Lyon are both superb to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.
Lyon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.
Chania and Lyon are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Chania is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.
Lyon is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.
Lyon is a world-class destination for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.
Lyon is a great destination for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.
Chania is not popular with students.
Lyon is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
With a huge network, the transit system in Lyon can get you around easily. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.
While Chania offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.
Chania and Lyon both are superb when exploring on foot.
Chania is a very walkable destination. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.
Lyon is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.
For even more information, also check out Is Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.
In either Chania or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Chania because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.
Couples should spend more time in Lyon than Chania. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lyon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than Chania 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 Lyon.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chania. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Lyon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Chania is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic destination of Chania. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
The charming city of Chania offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic big city of Lyon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Chania is €93, while the average daily cost in Lyon 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 Chania and Lyon in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Chania or Lyon? 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 Chania:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:
Prices for flights to both Lyon and Chania 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 Chania.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.
Here are a few actual costs in Chania for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chania:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:
Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania 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 Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon than you might in Chania.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chania Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.
Lyon has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Lyon, 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 destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Lyon. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.
In July, Chania is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Lyon. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Chania as well as Lyon. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Chania is a little warmer than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Chania often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.
Chania usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lyon. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Lyon and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Chania is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Chania usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Chania. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Lyon. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Lyon and Chania during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Chania. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.
Chania usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Chania | Lyon | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
May | 20°C (69°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Jul | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |