A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nice vs. Pittsburgh for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Nice or Pittsburgh?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Pittsburgh 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.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nice or Pittsburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice. Although Nice and Pittsburgh are roughly the same size, Nice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pittsburgh is known for its museums and big city activities. Nice is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

How is Nice different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nice or Pittsburgh?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pittsburgh. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nice or Pittsburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Nice or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Nice is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Pittsburgh has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Is Nice or Pittsburgh Better for Resorts?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.


Is Nice or Pittsburgh Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pittsburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Pittsburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Pittsburgh Better for Beaches?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is great for the beach. However, Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Pittsburgh Better for its Old Town?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is great for its historic old town charm. However, Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nice to see the historical old town. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Pittsburgh?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is great for its shopping areas. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Nice or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Both Nice and Pittsburgh are good to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly seaside destination. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Nice or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.


Is Nice or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Nice or Pittsburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nice. There are both buses and trams.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Is Nice or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Nice
Pittsburgh

Nice is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Nice is a very easy seaside destination to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Nice?

How long in Nice or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nice and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice than Pittsburgh 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 Nice.


  • How many days in Nice or Pittsburgh? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nice 3-5 
    Pittsburgh 2-3

One day in Nice or Pittsburgh?

With shopping and nightlife around the beautiful seaside destination of Nice, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pittsburgh. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Pittsburgh?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nice, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Pittsburgh is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Pittsburgh?

Nice, a popular seaside destination, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this seaside destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Pittsburgh. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nice or Pittsburgh?

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The industrial city of Pittsburgh offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Pittsburgh or Nice?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nice is $141, while the average daily cost in Pittsburgh is $181. 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 Nice and Pittsburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nice $63
    Pittsburgh $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nice $126
    Pittsburgh $212
Compare Hotels in Nice and Pittsburgh

Looking for a hotel in Nice or Pittsburgh? 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 Nice


Hotels in Pittsburgh


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: Nice Hotel Prices and Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nice $27
    Pittsburgh $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Milan: $1,550
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Milan: $1,399
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Marseille: $861
  • Airport transfer to Genoa: $753
  • Airport transfer to Marseille: $753
  • Airport transfer to Aix en Provence: $700
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Cannes hotels: $520
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Monaco hotels: $446
  • Airport transfer to St Tropez: $409
  • Nice Airport Transfer to SAINT-TROPEZ: $398
  • Airport transfer to Port Grimaud: $377
  • Airport transfer to San Remo: $323

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pittsburgh

Also for Pittsburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Nice or Pittsburgh?

Prices for flights to both Pittsburgh and Nice 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
    Nice $53
    Pittsburgh $54
Typical Food Prices in Nice

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


  • Slushee
    $2.68
  • Strawberries
    $4.29
  • Loaf of Bread
    $3.43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

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

  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $84
  • Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice: $95
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $107
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $108
  • Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $108
  • Half-Day Walking Food Tour in Nice with Lunch: $115
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $147
  • Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $193
  • Dinner in the Vineyard French Riviera: $206

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70
  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nice $13
    Pittsburgh $38

Tours and Activities in Nice

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

  • Half Day Shared Tour in Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo: $66
  • Majestic Christmas tour in French Riviera: $235
  • Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Small Group Half-Day Tour: $59
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour with a Local Licensed Guide in Monaco: $60
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Nice with a Licensed Guide: $33
  • 3-Hour Segway Tour to Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer: $81
  • A Guided Walking Tour through the Charming Streets of Nice: $32
  • A walk of wealth – guided tour in Monaco: $252
  • All-Inclusive Food & History Tour in Old Nice with Local Guide: $142
  • Amazing Private Walking Tour of Old Nice between Italy and France: $111
  • Antibes Electric Bike Tour: $76
  • Antibes Provencal Tasting Tour (Food & Drinks): $109

Tours and Activities in Pittsburgh

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

  • Eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.22
  • Pittsburgh to Logstown Settler's History: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.32
  • Entrance Ticket to AT BLAQK House Collections: $7.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pittsburgh by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Pittsburgh: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Tour of Downtown Pittsburgh Sights & Stories: $28
  • Public Art Walking Tour: $30
  • Pittsburg 101 Tour: $30
  • Pittsburgh 101 Walking History Tour: $32
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $33
  • Downtown History and Architecture Tour: $33
  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nice $18
    Pittsburgh $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

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

  • Nice Bar Crawl | Best Bars In 1 Night! VIP + FREE SHOTS: $6.03
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Nice : International Party Pub / Bar Crawl Unlimited Ticket: $17
  • Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special: $22
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $25
  • Nice Bar Crawl | Infamous International Party!: $27
  • Nice Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $45
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $53
  • New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Nice France: $54
  • Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $66
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $83
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Saint Paul de Vence Tour from Nice: $84

Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pittsburgh:

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • New! Bites & Brews: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $50
  • Bike and Brewery Tour: $69
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nice or Pittsburgh?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Nice and Pittsburgh, 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.