A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Monaco vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Monaco and Aix-en-Provence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Monaco

Monaco is a thrilling, posh, and glitzy coastal resort area. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Monaco and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Aix-en-Provence are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its museums and food. Monaco is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Monaco different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Monaco. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Aix-en-Provence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is an amazing town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Aix-en-Provence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Monaco has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Monaco is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Monaco is a must-see party destination. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Resorts?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Monaco is terrific for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Monaco offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As the playground for the rich and famous, this city has its share of luxury resorts. Famous hotels include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.


Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Monaco is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both beaches that offer walk-in snorkeling spots as well as boat tours that you can book that will take you to some of the best snorkeling and dive sights around Monaco.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Monaco is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Monaco has a beach worth visiting. Located along the French Riviera, the beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand. The only public beach is Plage du Larvotto in Monte Carlo and there are a number of activities available including jet skis and wind-surfing. This is also a very family-friendly beach that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Shopping is a popular activity in both Aix-en-Provence and Monaco.

The abundance of shops in Monaco make it a world-class shopping destination. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

Many people travel to Aix-en-Provence specifically to go shopping. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.


Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Most people don't think of either Monaco or Aix-en-Provence as a family destination.

Monaco doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Monaco is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Monaco has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.

Aix-en-Provence is a great coastal resort area if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Aix-en-Provence is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Monaco is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Known for it's luxury accommodation and posh visitors, this coastal area isn't known for its backpacker friendly atmosphere. Most budget travelers skip the glitz and glam of this microstate in order to save a few bucks.


Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is very popular with students. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Monaco and Aix-en-Provence.

You'll find some public transit in Monaco, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Monaco
Aix-en-Provence

Monaco is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Monaco on foot is easy. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Monaco Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Monaco or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monaco, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

Families should spend more time in Monaco than Aix-en-Provence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Monaco, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Monaco than Aix-en-Provence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Monaco that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Monaco 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 Aix-en-Provence.


  • How many days in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Monaco 1-3 
    Aix-en-Provence 2-4

One day in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Monaco is a big city with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Monaco is a big city with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Aix-en-Provence 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.

Five days in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Monaco is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. 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.


A week in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Aix-en-Provence or Monaco?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Monaco is €189, while the average daily cost in Aix-en-Provence is €138. 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 Monaco and Aix-en-Provence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Monaco 119
    Aix-en-Provence 81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Monaco 238
    Aix-en-Provence 162
Compare Hotels in Monaco and Aix-en-Provence

Looking for a hotel in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence? 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 Monaco


Hotels in Aix-en-Provence


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: Aix-en-Provence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Monaco 17
    Aix-en-Provence 33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $231

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Aix en Provence Transfer to Marseille Cruise port: $134
  • Aix en Provence: Guided Driving Tour with Hotel Transfer: $1,412
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/To Cassis Van 7 pax: $274
  • Marseille Cruise Port Transfer to Aix en Provence: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Prices for flights to both Aix-en-Provence and Monaco 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
    Monaco 53
    Aix-en-Provence 33

Typical Food Prices in Aix-en-Provence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:


  • Dinner for 2
    47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aix-en-Provence

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aix-en-Provence.

  • NO DIET CLUB - Best food tour in Aix en Provence (En / Fr): $63
  • Food Tour: $103
  • Aix-en-Provence Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Monaco 23
    Aix-en-Provence 22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    101

Tours and Activities in Monaco

Here are a few actual costs in Monaco for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.43
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Monte Carlo & Audioguide: $14
  • City Neighborhoods Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket: $21
  • Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour: $54
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour with a local licensed guide: $54
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $71
  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $71

Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • History and Renewal in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Hôtel de Caumont Entry Ticket: $17
  • Provencal Market Walking Tour with Tastings: $38
  • Guided Tour in Historical Old City: $61
  • An Aix-traordinary Walking City Tour of Aix-en-Provence: $65
  • E-Bike tour of Sainte Victoire Mountain, Aix-en-Provence: $71
  • Guided Foodie Tour with Tastings: $71
  • Time flies by on this Aixquisite Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence : $71
  • Gourmet & Cultural Tour Aix En Provence English / Espanol: $74
  • 4-Hour Lavender Fields Tour in Valensole from Aix-en-Provence: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Monaco 26
    Aix-en-Provence 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Wine Tasting : Tour de France in Nice city centre: $74

Sample the Local Flavors in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aix-en-Provence:

  • From Wine Tour in Cezanne Countryside: $92
  • Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence: $94
  • Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence: $95
  • Aix en Provence: Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $97
  • Half Day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix: $98
  • Half day Wine Tour in Côteaux Aix from Aix en Provence: $99
  • Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence: $105
  • Provence small group half-day wine tour from Aix: $108
  • From Provence Region Tour with Wine Tasting: $141
  • Full Day Wine Tour in Luberon with Tasting: $146
  • Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence: $152
  • Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting from Aix: $165


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Monaco and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Monaco is more expensive. And not only is Aix-en-Provence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aix-en-Provence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aix-en-Provence 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 Monaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monaco than you might in Aix-en-Provence.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Monaco Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Aix-en-Provence, 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.