A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Monaco vs. Cannes for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Monaco or Cannes?

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 Cannes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Monaco

Monaco is a captivating, thrilling, and posh 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Monaco and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Monaco or Cannes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Cannes are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Cannes is known for its food, music, beaches, and historical sights. Monaco is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Cannes is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival.

How is Monaco different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Monaco or Cannes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monaco
Cannes

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

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 Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Monaco
Cannes

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for nightlife.

Monaco has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Cannes has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Monaco or Cannes Better for Music?

Monaco
Cannes

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its live music scene. However, Monaco is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Cannes The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Monaco is not a live music destination.

Is Monaco or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Monaco
Cannes

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Monaco and Cannes.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Monaco is a perfect choice. 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.

Cannes offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.


Is Monaco or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco
Cannes

Monaco and Cannes both offer good scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Monaco. 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.

Cannes has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Is Monaco or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Monaco
Cannes

Cannes is well known for the beache. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

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.

Is Monaco or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Monaco
Cannes

Cannes is well known for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cannes. 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.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Cannes?

Monaco
Cannes

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cannes 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 Cannes specifically to go shopping. 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 Monaco or Cannes Better for Families?

Monaco
Cannes

Cannes is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Monaco is not always the best place to visit. 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.

Is Monaco or Cannes Better for Couples?

Monaco
Cannes

Both Monaco and Cannes are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Monaco has plenty to offer. 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.

Cannes has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Monaco or Cannes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Monaco
Cannes

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Monaco and Cannes.

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

While Cannes offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Monaco or Cannes a more walkable city?

Monaco
Cannes

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its walkability.

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

Cannes is very walkable. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

For even more information, also check out Is Monaco Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Monaco or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes 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 Cannes.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cannes 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 Cannes.


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

One day in Monaco or Cannes?

Monaco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Cannes. 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.


A weekend in Monaco or Cannes?

Monaco 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.

Cannes 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 Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. 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.

A week in Monaco or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glamorous big city of Monaco. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the luxury destination of Cannes. This resort 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Cannes 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 Cannes is €137. 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 Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Monaco 119
    Cannes 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Monaco 238
    Cannes 150
Compare Hotels in Monaco and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Monaco 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.

Hotels in Monaco


Hotels in Cannes


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: Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Monaco 17
    Cannes 16

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 Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Cannes Hotels to Nice Intl Airport NCE Departure Private Transfer: $88
  • Cannes Private Transfer from Cannes city centre to Nice Airport: $298
  • Cannes to Nice one way Private Transfer: $275
  • Cannes to Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé - Departure Private Transfer: $86
  • Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) to Port de la Santé- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
  • Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): Transfer to Port de la Santé: $440
  • Private Transfer to/from Marseille: $315
  • Private Transfer to/from Monaco: $184
  • Private Transfer to/from Saint-Tropez: $228
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $79
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $130
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Monaco or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes 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
    Cannes 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cannes

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

  • The Flavors of Cannes Food Tour: $114
  • Summer Fireworks and Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Cannes: $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Monaco 23
    Cannes 30
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 Cannes

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

  • From Ferry Tickets to Sainte-Marguerite Island: $17
  • Discover the Coastline of France’s Corniche d'Or Cruise from Mandelieu: $37
  • Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $49
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $53
  • Guided Tour in Cannes by a Screenwriter: History, Glamour & Cinema: $55
  • Ile Sainte-Marguerite Ferry & Corniche d'Or Cruise Combo from Cannes: $56
  • 1 or 2-Hour Gyropod Tour: $59
  • Exclusive City Tour in Cannes in a Vintage Bus: $65
  • City Tour in Cannes aboard our Classic French Bus!: $66
  • Half Day Tour to Nice Antibes and St Paul de Vence from Cannes: $72
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $75
  • From Nice: Cannes, Saint Paul de Vence & Antibes Guided Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Monaco 26
    Cannes 18

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 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: $141
  • Grasse, Gourdon, Valbonne and Wine Tasting Full-day from Cannes: $144
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $771
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $912


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Monaco and Cannes, we can see that Monaco is more expensive. And not only is Cannes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cannes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cannes 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 Cannes.

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


Which is Bigger, Monaco or Cannes?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Cannes, 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.