A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gran Canaria vs. Nice for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Nice?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Nice? 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: Gran Canaria or Nice?

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.

Nice

Nice, in the French Riviera, is one of the most popular destinations in France. It's located on the southeast coast along the Mediterranean Sea and is the second largest French city on the Mediterranean. It is an energetic city that attracts all types of vacationers from every age group and demographic. It's the 5th largest city in the country and is the capital of the Alpes Maritimes departement. The metropolitan area has a population of about 1 million.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nice or Gran Canaria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, while the average daily cost in Nice is €131. 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 Gran Canaria and Nice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Nice 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Nice 118
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Nice

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Nice? 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 Gran Canaria


Hotels in Nice


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: Nice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Nice 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to La Garita: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Vecindario : $31
  • El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
  • Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
  • Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from San Agustín to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $41
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Agustín: $41
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Costa Meloneras: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Milan: $1,390
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Milan: $1,171
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Marseille: $856
  • Airport transfer to Marseille: $749
  • Airport transfer to Genoa: $749
  • Airport transfer to Aix en Provence: $695
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Cannes hotels: $517
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Monaco hotels: $443
  • Airport transfer to St Tropez: $406
  • Nice Airport Transfer to SAINT-TROPEZ: $396
  • Airport transfer to Port Grimaud: $374
  • Airport transfer to San Remo: $321

Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Nice?

Prices for flights to both Nice and Gran Canaria 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
    Gran Canaria 34
    Nice 49

Typical Food Prices in Nice

Some typical examples of dining costs in Nice are as follows:


  • Slushee
    2.50
  • Strawberries
    4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

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

  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $84
  • Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice: $95
  • The Flavors of Nice Food Tour: $103
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Nice Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $107
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $112
  • PRIVATE Award-Winning Nice Food Tour: 6 or 10 Tastings: $112
  • Food Tour + Wine Pairing Lunch with a local Sommelier: $133
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $147
  • Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Nice 12

Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.

  • Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
  • Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
  • Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
  • Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
  • Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
  • Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
  • Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
  • Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
  • Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
  • Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24

Tours and Activities in Nice

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

  • Half Day Shared Tour in Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo: $65
  • Majestic Christmas tour in French Riviera: $235
  • Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Small Group Half-Day Tour: $59
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour with a Local Licensed Guide in Monaco: $60
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Nice with a Licensed Guide: $33
  • 3-Hour Segway Tour to Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer: $80
  • 7h sightseeing excursion: Visit Saint Paul, Antibes, Cannes.: $104
  • A Guided Walking Tour through the Charming Streets of Nice: $32
  • A walk of wealth – guided tour in Monaco: $251
  • All-Inclusive Food & History Tour in Old Nice with Local Guide: $142
  • Amazing Private Walking Tour of Old Nice between Italy and France: $111
  • Antibes Electric Bike Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Nice 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria

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

  • Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
  • Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
  • Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

Also in Nice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Nice Bar Crawl | Best Bars In 1 Night! VIP + FREE SHOTS: $5.99
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special: $17
  • Nice : Guided Pub / Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $21
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
  • Nice Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $45
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $52
  • New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Nice France: $53
  • Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $65
  • Wine Tasting: Tour de France in Nice City Centre: $74
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Saint Paul de Vence Tour from Nice: $84


When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Nice, we can see that Nice is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Nice?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Nice, 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 Gran Canaria or Nice?

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 Gran Canaria or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Gran Canaria during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Gran Canaria is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Nice. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Nice 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Nice. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Nice. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Nice 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Nice. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Nice 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Nice. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Nice 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Nice and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Nice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)