Which city is cheaper, Cannes or Marseille?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for France Marseille vs. Cannes for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples
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Should you visit Marseille or Cannes?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Cannes, 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.
Cannes
Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.
Marseille and Cannes: Pros and Cons
Marseille
Pros- Popular beach
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less family-friendly
Cannes
Pros- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular with backpackers
How is Marseille different from Cannes?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cannes and Marseille. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Marseille or Cannes Better for Food?
Marseille
Cannes
Foodies will find both Marseille and Cannes 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 Cannes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.
Is Marseille or Cannes Better for Nightlife?
Marseille
Cannes
Both Marseille and Cannes have similar vibes after the sun sets.
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.
The people in Cannes know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.
Is Marseille or Cannes Better for Beaches?
Marseille
Cannes
Both Marseille and Cannes have beaches worth visiting.
Marseille has a beach worth visiting. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.
The beaches at Cannes attract visitors from all over. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.
Is Marseille or Cannes Better for its Old Town?
Marseille
Cannes
Marseille and Cannes both have historical old towns that attract visitors.
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.
Cannes is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.
Is Marseille or Cannes Better for Shopping?
Marseille
Cannes
Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Marseille and Cannes.
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.
Cannes is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.
Is Marseille or Cannes Better for Families?
Marseille
Cannes
Marseille and Cannes 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 Cannes. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.
Is Marseille or Cannes Better for Couples?
Marseille
Cannes
Marseille and Cannes 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.
Cannes is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.
Is Marseille or Cannes Better for Public Transit?
Marseille
Cannes
Visitors will find public transit in both Marseille and Cannes.
Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.
You'll find some public transit in Cannes, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around the city.
Is Marseille or Cannes a more walkable city?
Marseille
Cannes
Marseille and Cannes 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.
Cannes is very walkable. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.
Should I spend more time in Cannes or Marseille?
How long in Marseille or Cannes?
It's fun to spend time in either Marseille or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Marseille is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Cannes is 2-4 days.
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How many days in Marseille or Cannes? Ideal Length of StayMarseille 2-3Cannes 2-4
One day in Marseille or Cannes?
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. 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.
You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort city of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Cannes?
Marseille 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 live music and food around the lavish destination of Cannes. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort city has to offer. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Marseille or Cannes?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the luxury resort city of Cannes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
A week in Marseille or Cannes?
Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Marseille. 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.
Cannes is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 €117Cannes €110
The average daily cost (per person) in Marseille is €117, while the average daily cost in Cannes is €110. 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 Cannes in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarseille €56Cannes €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarseille €112Cannes €120
Compare Hotels in Marseille and Cannes
Looking for a hotel in Marseille or Cannes? 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 Cannes Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marseille €23Cannes €13
Typical Local Transportation prices in Marseille
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:
-
Metro Pass€3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille
Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ultra - Marseille Private Transfer from City Centre to Marseille Cruise Port: $9.41
- Ultra - Marseille Private Transfer from Marseille Cruise Port to City Centre: $9.41
- Ultra - Marseille Private Airport Transfer from Cruise Port to Marseille Airport: $9.41
- Ultra - Marseille Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Marseille Airport: $9.41
- Private Arrival Transfer from Marseille Cruise Port to Marseille City Center: $29
- Private Departure Transfer from Marseille City Center to Marseille Cruise Port: $29
- Private Business Car Arrival Transfer: Marseille Cruise Port to Marseille city: $41
- Private Business Car Departure Transfer: Marseille city Marseille Cruise Port: $41
- Private Airport Transfer: from Marseille to Marseille Airport (MRS): $50
- Private Transfer from Marseille Cruise Port Terminal to Marseille Airport (MRS): $51
- Private Business Van Departure Transfer: Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port: $55
- Private Business Car Transfer: Marseille city or Port to Marseille Airport MRS: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:
- Ultra - Private Airport Transfer from Cannes City Centre to Nice Airport: $9.41
- Transfer from Cannes to Nice airport: $111
- Round-Trip Ferry Transfer to St Tropez from Cannes: $80
- Private transfer from Cannes to Nice City or Nice Airport: $80
- Private airport transfer Mandelieu to Cannes: $53
- Private Transfer: Cannes to Cannes - Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): $89
- Private Transfer: Cannes - Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) to Cannes: $89
- Private Departure Transfer from Cannes to Nice Airport: $55
- Private Departure Transfer from Cannes to Nice Airport: $148
- Private Airport Transfer: Cannes to Cote D'Azur Airport (NCE): $59
- Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Luxury Van: $114
- Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Luxury Car: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or Cannes?
Prices for flights to both Cannes 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 €34Cannes €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 Cannes
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cannes.
- Summer Fireworks and Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Cannes: $135
- Small-Group Evening Tour and Dinner in Monte Carlo from Cannes: $223
- Unforgettable night photos of the French Riviera and dinner in Monaco: $622
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marseille €30Cannes €24
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 Cannes
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:
- 4-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour of Nice from Cannes: $547
- All French Riviera For One Day Sightseeing Tours From Cannes: $1,011
- Antibes, St. Paul-de-Vence, St. Jeannet, and Gourdon Private Tour from Cannes: $675
- Best of Riviera Tour: Coastal Day trip from Antibes (Nice, Monaco, Cannes): $747
- Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $67
- Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $43
- Cannes Private Walking Tour: $338
- Cannes Private Walking tour: $214
- Cannes Shore Excursion: French Riviera Private Tour of Nice - Eze - Monaco - Monte Carlo: $827
- Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day Tour to Saint-Paul de Vence, Cannes and Nice: $658
- Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Luxury Motorboat Cruise with Personal Skipper: $2,009
- Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Tour of the French Riviera: $783
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarseille €22Cannes €14
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 Cannes
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cannes:
- Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $132
- Provence Wine Tour - Private Day Tour from Cannes: $342
- Private Day Trip: Wine Tasting Tour Including Pinic Lunch From Cannes: $559
- 5-Hour Private Cannes Shore Excursion: Eze, Nice, Wine Tasting: $658
When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and Cannes, we can see that Marseille 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.
When is the best time to visit Marseille or Cannes?
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 Cannes in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Marseille is around the same temperature as Cannes in the summer. The temperature in Marseille is usually 24°C (75°F) in July, and Cannes stays around 23°C (73°F).
Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Cannes. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarseille 24°C (75°F)Cannes 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Marseille or Cannes in the Autumn?
Both Cannes and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.
In the autumn, Marseille is around the same temperature as Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October are around 16°C (61°F), and Cannes is about 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. In October, Marseille usually receives less rain than Cannes. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarseille 16°C (61°F)Cannes 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Marseille or Cannes in the Winter?
Both Cannes and Marseille during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Marseille is generally cooler than Cannes. Temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Cannes stays around 9°C (48°F).
Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarseille 7°C (44°F)Cannes 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Marseille or Cannes in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Cannes. Many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cannes in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Marseille is around the same temperature as Cannes in the spring. The temperature in Marseille is usually 13°C (56°F) in April, and Cannes stays around 13°C (56°F).
In April, Marseille usually receives less rain than Cannes. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarseille 13°C (56°F)Cannes 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cannes and Marseille
| Marseille | Cannes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (51°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
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