A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Meknes vs. Lyon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Meknes or Lyon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Meknes and Lyon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Meknes or Lyon?

Meknes

So you love a bustling nightlife with fine restaurants and meaningful historical buildings, but you hate all the tourists. Well, it maybe time to visit Meknes, Morocco. Since most travelers head straight to Fez, that leaves Meknes relatively untouched and remains free of the usual hassles that plague other major destinations.

Lyon

Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Morocco, The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lyon or Meknes?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Meknes is $46, while the average daily cost in Lyon is $134. 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 Meknes and Lyon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Meknes $26
    Lyon $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Meknes $52
    Lyon $114
Compare Hotels in Meknes and Lyon

Looking for a hotel in Meknes 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.

Hotels in Meknes


Hotels in Lyon


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: Meknes Hotel Prices and Lyon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Meknes $1.46
    Lyon $18

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    $5.57
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Superior Private Transfer From Lyon City to Geneva City: $295
  • Private Direct Transfer from Lyon to Geneva: $274
  • Private Transfer Grenoble Airport GNB - Grenoble Ski Resort: $229
  • Lyon Saint Exupery Airport to Morzine Avoriaz Round Trip Transfer: $185
  • Lyon Saint Exupery Airport to Meribel - Arrival Private Transfer: $180
  • Lyon St Exupery Airport to Courchevel/Les Arcs - Arrival Transfer: $180
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $177
  • Lyon Saint Exupery Airport(LYS) to Alpe d'Huez - Arrival Transfer: $164
  • Lyon Exupery Airport to Les Deux La Clusaz Round Trip Transfer: $142
  • Lyon Private Transfer from Lyon Airport (LYS) to City centre: $131
  • Lyon Private Transfer from Lyon city centre to Lyon (LYS) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer: (LYS) Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Meknes or Lyon?

Prices for flights to both Lyon and Meknes 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
    Meknes $14
    Lyon $44
Typical Food Prices in Meknes

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Meknes:


  • Popcorn
    $0.20
  • Spices
    $2.49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Meknes

For Meknes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fes Medina :Grocery shopping & cooking Class with Fatima: $95

Typical Food Prices in Lyon

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


  • Pastry
    $1.82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

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

  • Street Food Tour: $64
  • Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $64
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $66
  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $76
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $80
  • Cultural Walking Food Tour in the Vieux Lyon District: $86
  • Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
  • Old Town Food Tour: $96
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings and Wine: $102
  • Guided Evening Food Tour: $102
  • Lyon Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Meknes $3.55
    Lyon $22

Tours and Activities in Meknes

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

  • From Fez: Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes Full Day Tour: $17
  • Fes Volubilis Tour: $45
  • From Rabat: Volubilis and Meknes Full-day Tour: $258

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $48

Tours and Activities in Lyon

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

  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $27
  • 1-hour tourist walk with guide: $38
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $8.72
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour to Traboules de Croix-Rousse: $8.72
  • Alternative Tour: Murals and Hidden Frescoes of Lyon: $46
  • An unusual city tour with sketches: $64
  • Audio-Guided Tour of the United States Quarter and Painted Walls: $11
  • Audio-guided tour of Old Lyon: $11
  • Audio-guided tour of the Fourvière and the Sacred Hill: $11
  • Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town (9:00 am to 5:15 pm - Small Group Tour Lyon: $136
  • Beaujolais Wines & Castles - Private Tour - Half Day: $268
  • Best Intro Tour of Lyon with a Local: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Meknes $2.62
    Lyon $25
Typical Alcohol Prices in Meknes

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Meknes:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $4.58

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    $7.29
  • Bottle of Wine
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

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

  • Lyon : Music & Wine tasting tour: $96
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $98
  • Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $98
  • Lyon Music & Wine tasting: $104
  • Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon: $106
  • Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $106
  • From Wine tasting and visits of the Beaujolais: $106
  • Half-Day Côte-Rotie Wine Tasting Tour: $106
  • From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $106
  • Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $108
  • Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $108
  • Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $108


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Meknes and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Meknes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Meknes is in Africa and Lyon is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Meknes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Meknes 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 Meknes.

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


Which is Bigger, Meknes or Lyon?

Meknes has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Meknes 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.


When is the best time to visit Meknes or Lyon?

Lyon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Meknes experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Meknes or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Meknes during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Meknes because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Meknes is generally around the same temperature as Lyon. Daily temperatures in Meknes average around 23°C (73°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Meknes. In the summer, Meknes often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Meknes gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Meknes usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Meknes gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Meknes 23°C (73°F) 
    Lyon 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Meknes or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Meknes and Lyon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Meknes year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

Meknes is a little warmer than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Meknes averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Meknes, it's very sunny this time of the year. Meknes usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Meknes gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Meknes usually receives less rain than Lyon. Meknes gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Meknes 19°C (67°F) 
    Lyon 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Meknes or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Meknes as well as Lyon. Meknes attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In the winter, Meknes is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Meknes in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Meknes often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Meknes gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Meknes usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Meknes gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Meknes 12°C (54°F) 
    Lyon 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Meknes or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Meknes are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Meknes throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Meknes is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Meknes average around 16°C (60°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Meknes. Meknes usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Meknes gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Meknes usually receives less rain than Lyon. Meknes gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Meknes 16°C (60°F) 
    Lyon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lyon and Meknes

Meknes Lyon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)