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

Should you visit Oxford or Cannes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford 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.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Oxford and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oxford or Cannes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Oxford. While Oxford is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is better known for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Cannes?

Oxford
Cannes

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

Many visitors head to Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Oxford
Cannes

Cannes is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cannes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Cannes

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Cannes.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Cannes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Oxford or Cannes Better for Music?

Oxford
Cannes

Cannes is very popular for live music. However, Oxford is not a live music destination.

Cannes is known as a music capital around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Oxford is not a live music destination.


Is Oxford or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Oxford
Cannes

Cannes is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Oxford is not a resort destination.

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.

Oxford is not a resort destination.

Is Oxford or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oxford
Cannes

Cannes is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oxford or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Oxford
Cannes

Cannes is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cannes. 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.


Is Oxford or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Oxford
Cannes

Cannes is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cannes to see the historical old town. 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Cannes?

Oxford
Cannes

Cannes is very popular for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Cannes. 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Cannes Better for Families?

Oxford
Cannes

Oxford and Cannes are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Cannes Better for Couples?

Oxford
Cannes

Cannes is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Oxford or Cannes Better for Students?

Oxford
Cannes

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Cannes is not popular with students.

Is Oxford or Cannes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oxford
Cannes

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Cannes.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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 Oxford or Cannes a more walkable city?

Oxford
Cannes

Oxford and Cannes are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Oxford 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 Oxford, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

Families should spend more time in Cannes than Oxford. 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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Cannes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oxford 1-3 
    Cannes 2-4

One day in Oxford or Cannes?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Oxford or Cannes?

Oxford 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 Oxford or Cannes?

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

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes or Oxford?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Oxford is £131, while the average daily cost in Cannes is £117. 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 Oxford and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Cannes £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Cannes £128
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Oxford 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 Oxford


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: Oxford Hotel Prices and Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Cannes £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

  • National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
  • Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96
  • Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
  • Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224
  • Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
  • Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Cannes: $399
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Port to Nice Cote Airport (NCE): $82
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $91
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $101
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and Oxford 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
    Oxford £41
    Cannes £39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Cannes £26

Tours and Activities in Oxford

For Oxford, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Oxford's Literary Legends and Landmarks" A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Explore Oxford's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour for Students: $11
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Cannes

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

  • Watch the Fireworks from the boat. Unique experience: $1,593
  • Cannes 2 Hours : Privat City Tour in a French Vintage Bus: $315
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74
  • Cannes : Ferrari experience: $214
  • Cannes : Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Cannes E-Bike Guided Tour: $75
  • Cannes Experience private boat tour Islands French Riviera: $631
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Cannes Luxury Catamaran Half or Day Cruise with lunch option: $96
  • Cannes Royal Regatta Catamaran cruise: $107
  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Cannes £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

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

  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $130
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $139
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $759
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $1,273


When comparing the travel costs between Oxford and Cannes, we can see that Oxford 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.

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


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Cannes?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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.


When is the best time to visit Oxford 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 Oxford or Cannes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Oxford usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

Oxford is much colder than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Cannes. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In the winter, Oxford is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Cannes. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Oxford is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Cannes. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Oxford

Oxford Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)