Which city is cheaper, Bordeaux or Marseille?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for France Marseille vs. Bordeaux for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples
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Should you visit Marseille or Bordeaux?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Bordeaux, 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.
Marseille
Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Marseille and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons
Marseille
Pros- Good nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less family-friendly
Bordeaux
Pros- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular old town
How is Marseille different from Bordeaux?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bordeaux and Marseille. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Food?
Marseille
Bordeaux
Foodies will find both Marseille and Bordeaux both to be unique destinations.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.
Many restaurants in Bordeaux have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?
Marseille
Bordeaux
Most visitors prefer the nightlife in Marseille.
People head to Marseille just to party. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.
Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?
Marseille
Bordeaux
The old town area in Marseille has more to offer.
The historic old town of Marseille is revered around the world. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.
Many visitors go to Bordeaux to see the historical old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Shopping?
Marseille
Bordeaux
Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Marseille and Bordeaux.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.
Bordeaux is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Families?
Marseille
Bordeaux
Marseille and Bordeaux are both fun destinations for the whole family.
Marseille is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Couples?
Marseille
Bordeaux
Marseille and Bordeaux are both fun to visit as a couple.
Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.
Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Marseille
Bordeaux
Marseille and Bordeaux are both good destinations for backpackers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.
Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Students?
Marseille
Bordeaux
Both Marseille and Bordeaux are popular destinations for students.
Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.
Students come from all over to stay in Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit?
Marseille
Bordeaux
Visitors will find public transit in both Marseille and Bordeaux.
Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.
Visitors to Bordeaux can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.
Is Marseille or Bordeaux a more walkable city?
Marseille
Bordeaux
Marseille and Bordeaux are similar when it comes to walkability.
Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.
Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.
Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Marseille?
How long in Marseille or Bordeaux?
In either Marseille or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Marseille because of the overall number of sights and activities.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Marseille is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Bordeaux is 2-5 days.
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How many days in Marseille or Bordeaux? Ideal Length of StayMarseille 2-3Bordeaux 2-5
One day in Marseille or Bordeaux?
The beautiful city of Marseille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bordeaux. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Marseille or Bordeaux?
Marseille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marseille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the elegant destination of Bordeaux. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Marseille or Bordeaux?
Marseille is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find nightlife and food around the charming city of Bordeaux. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Marseille or Bordeaux?
Marseille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
Bordeaux is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarseille €117Bordeaux €95
The average daily cost (per person) in Marseille is €117, while the average daily cost in Bordeaux is €95. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Marseille and Bordeaux in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarseille €56Bordeaux €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarseille €112Bordeaux €102
Compare Hotels in Marseille and Bordeaux
Looking for a hotel in Marseille or Bordeaux? 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: Marseille Hotel Prices and Bordeaux Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marseille €23Bordeaux €12
Typical Local Transportation prices in Marseille
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:
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Metro Pass€3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille
Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport transfer Marseille Airport to Barcelone: $1,991
- Avignon to Marseille Airport Private Departure Transfer: $195
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Marseille Provence Airport to Marseille City - One Way: $97
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Marseille Provence Airport to Martigues City - One Way: $93
- Marseille Airport (MRS) Departure Transfer (Marseille Hotels to Airport): $161
- Marseille Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $205
- Marseille Airport Private Departure Transfer: $205
- Marseille Airport Transfer to Cruise Port by Minivan: $113
- Marseille Airport Transfer to Nimes: $498
- Marseille Airport Transfer to Orange: $379
- Marseille Airport Transfer to les baux de Provence: $332
- Marseille Airport Transfers : Marseille City to Airport MRS in Business Car: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:
- Ultra - Private Transfer from Bordeaux to Pessac - Château Haut-Brion Winery: $9.54
- Ultra - Private Transfer from Bordeaux to Pauillac - Chateau Lafite Rothschild: $9.54
- Ultra - Private Transfer from Bordeaux to Margaux - Chateau Margaux: $9.54
- Ultra - Private Transfer from Bordeaux City Centre to Saint Emilion: $9.54
- Ultra - Bordeaux Airport Private Transfer City Centre to Bordeaux Airport BOD: $9.54
- Private Transfer: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport (BOD): $68
- Private Transfer: Bordeaux Airport to Bordeaux: $111
- Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $149
- Private Airport Transfer: from Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport (BOD): $42
- Private Airport Transfer: from Bordeaux Airport (BOD) to Bordeaux: $42
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Bergerac-Roumanière Airport to Bordeaux City - One Way: $358
- Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or Bordeaux?
Prices for flights to both Bordeaux and Marseille 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
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Food Meals for one dayMarseille €34Bordeaux €36
Typical Food prices in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orangina€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3-Hour Shore Excursion Walking Food Tour: $85
- Cool Food Tour and Street art Marseille: $106
- Great Marseille Food Tour Experience: $107
- Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $108
- Food Tour Excursion in Provence !: $771
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.
- Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour: $106
- Bordeaux and La Cité du Vin Day Tour with French Cuisine Cooking Class: $514
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marseille €30Bordeaux €6.31
Tours and Activities in Marseille
For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Marseille Walking Tour - The Other Side: $1.24
- Marseille Walking Tour - La Panier: $1.24
- Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12
- Le Panier - Walking Tour of Marseille's Historic Neighborhood: $15
- City Segway Tour - Explore the Panier neighborhood in an unexpected way: $25
- Marseille Segway Tour - Explore the Panier neighborhood in an unexpected way: $25
- Panier Neighborhood 1-Hour Segway Tour: $34
- City Segway Tour - Discover the beauty of the Pharo Palace and its neighborhood: $37
- Marseille Segway Tour - Discover the beauty of the Pharo Palace and its neighborhood: $37
- Marseille Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $39
- Marseille Smalll Group Electric Bike Tour: $41
- Calanques Picnic Cruise: $44
Tours and Activities in Bordeaux
Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Bordeaux Electric Scooter Tour: $31
- 1-Hour Electric Bike Tour of Bordeaux: $31
- 2-Hour Bordeaux Electric Scooter Tour: $56
- 2-Hour Bordeaux Segway Tour: $106
- 2-Hour Bordeaux Segway Tour: $68
- Architectural splendors of Bordeaux Walking Tour: $286
- Bordeaux City Custom & Private Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $44
- Bordeaux City Sights Walking Tour: $17
- Bordeaux City Sightseeing Citroën 2CV Classic Car Private Guided Tour: $61
- Bordeaux City Wine & Cultural Guided Walking Tour with 4 Tastings: $86
- Bordeaux Countryside Farm to Table Tour: $179
- Bordeaux Electric Bike Rental Self Guided City Tour: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarseille €22Bordeaux €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:
- Aix en Provence Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $137
- Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $137
- Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $137
- Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $137
- Marseille Shore Excursion - Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $348
- Provence wine tour of vineyards & the best foods & wine of Provence private tour: $404
- Provence Private Wine Tasting Tour from Marseille: $435
- Wine tour of Châteauneuf du Pape, gastronomy, wines & joie de vivre private tour: $435
- Aix en Povence Private Half Day Tour including Wine Tasting from Marseille: $523
- Coteaux d'Aix: Ste Victoire Wine Tour & Cezanne Mill Visit: $567
- Bandol Wine Tour - 4 hour Private tour: $650
- Coteaux D'Aix : Half Day Wine Tour: $650
Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux
Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $8.71
- Soussans: Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting near Margaux: $9.08
- Saint Emilion: Guided Winery Tour & Wine Tasting: $14
- La Cité du Vin Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket & Wine Tasting: $24
- Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $37
- Bordeaux Cheese & Wine Tasting Walking Guided Tour: $49
- Chateau du Taillan and Park including Wine Tasting Tour: $50
- Bordeaux Morning Wine Tasting Class: $56
- Bordeaux Small-Group Wine Tasting & Workshop with a Professional Sommelier: $61
- Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip: $61
- Morning & Breakfast Wine tour in Saint-Emilion: $74
- From St. Emilion Village Half-Day Wine Tour: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marseille and Bordeaux, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille than you might in Bordeaux.
When is the best time to visit Marseille or Bordeaux?
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 Marseille or Bordeaux in the Summer?
Both Bordeaux and Marseille during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°F), and Bordeaux stays around 21°C (69°F).
In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the summer, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.
Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarseille 24°C (75°F)Bordeaux 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Marseille or Bordeaux in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Marseille is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the autumn. The temperature in Marseille is usually 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bordeaux stays around 14°C (58°F).
In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Marseille usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarseille 16°C (61°F)Bordeaux 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Marseille or Bordeaux in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Bordeaux. The winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.
In the winter, Marseille is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marseille in January are around 7°C (44°F), and Bordeaux is about 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarseille 7°C (44°F)Bordeaux 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Marseille or Bordeaux in the Spring?
Both Bordeaux and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Bordeaux stays around 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Marseille usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarseille 13°C (56°F)Bordeaux 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Marseille
| Marseille | Bordeaux | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (51°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
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