A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulouse vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Old Town

Should you visit Toulouse or Nice?

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

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

Toulouse

Toulouse is a historic, vibrant, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a chic, glamourous, and beautiful 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Toulouse and Nice: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Toulouse or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse than Nice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toulouse is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Nice is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse
Nice

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Toulouse
Nice

Both Toulouse and Nice offer a number of world-class restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Eat your way through Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Toulouse or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse
Nice

Nice is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Toulouse or Nice Better for Resorts?

Toulouse
Nice

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

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Toulouse is not a resort destination.


Is Toulouse or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulouse
Nice

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Toulouse is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Toulouse is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulouse or Nice Better for Beaches?

Toulouse
Nice

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

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. 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.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Is Toulouse or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse
Nice

Both Toulouse and Nice have great historic old towns worth visiting.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Nice?

Toulouse
Nice

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Nice both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Nice is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Toulouse or Nice Better for Families?

Toulouse
Nice

Toulouse is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulouse is a very kid-friendly city. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Nice is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Toulouse or Nice Better for Couples?

Toulouse
Nice

Nice is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.


Is Toulouse or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulouse
Nice

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Nice Better for Students?

Toulouse
Nice

Toulouse is a city with good options for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Toulouse
Nice

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

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.


Is Toulouse or Nice a more walkable city?

Toulouse
Nice

Nice is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is very walkable. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Nice?

In either Toulouse or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Toulouse because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice than Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Nice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulouse 2-4 
    Nice 3-5

One day in Toulouse or Nice?

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

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or Nice?

Toulouse is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Toulouse or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Toulouse. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or Nice?

The historic city of Toulouse offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Nice is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside destination offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nice or Toulouse?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulouse is €125, while the average daily cost in Nice is €131. 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 Toulouse and Nice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulouse 67
    Nice 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulouse 134
    Nice 118
Compare Hotels in Toulouse and Nice

Looking for a hotel in Toulouse or Nice? 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 Toulouse


Hotels in Nice


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: Toulouse Hotel Prices and Nice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulouse 41
    Nice 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

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

  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $42
  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $54
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $66
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $67
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $88
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $93
  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $243

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Airport transfer to Genoa: $760
  • Airport transfer to Marseille: $760
  • Airport transfer to Aix en Provence: $706
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Cannes hotels: $524
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Monaco hotels: $450
  • Airport transfer to St Tropez: $413
  • Nice Airport Transfer to SAINT-TROPEZ: $402
  • Airport transfer to Port Grimaud: $380
  • Airport transfer to San Remo: $326
  • Cannes Private Transfer from Nice Airport to central Cannes: $298
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Nice: $296
  • Nice Intl Airport(NCE):Transfer to Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port: $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulouse or Nice?

Prices for flights to both Nice and Toulouse 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
    Toulouse 34
    Nice 49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulouse

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

  • No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse !: $53
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $77
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $105
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $106
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $108

Typical Food Prices in Nice

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


  • Slushee
    2.50
  • Strawberries
    4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    3.20

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: $89
  • Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice: $96
  • The Flavors of Nice Food Tour: $104
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $105
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $108
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $109
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $149
  • Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulouse 15
    Nice 12

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

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

  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.16
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.46
  • Toulouse Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.06
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $7.06
  • Toulouse : Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $9.67
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Minibus: $16
  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $17
  • Toulouse Sightseeing Bus Tour: $18

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: $237
  • Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Small Group Half-Day Tour: $60
  • Èze: Private Village Guided Walking Tour: $204
  • 3-Hour Segway Tour to Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer: $81
  • 7 Hills of Nice E-bike Tour with Local Guide: $109
  • 7h sightseeing excursion: Visit Monaco and Eze: $105
  • A Guided Walking Tour through the Charming Streets of Nice: $34
  • A walk of wealth – guided tour in Monaco: $253
  • Antibes Electric Bike Tour: $76
  • Beautiful Houses of the French Riviera Private Tour: $532
  • Beautiful Nice in a private Walking Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulouse 7.50
    Nice 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulouse

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

  • Pub Crawl Toulouse: $20
  • From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting: $539

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 | Ultimate night experience: $8.69
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Nice: $28
  • Pub Crawl/Bar Crawl NICE - The Ultimate Night: $29
  • Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting: $33
  • 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
  • Wine Tasting: Tour de France in Nice City Centre: $75
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $84
  • Exclusive Food and Wine Tour in Menton - 3 hours - small groups: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Toulouse and Nice, we can see that Nice 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Nice Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Nice?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Nice, 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 Toulouse or Nice?

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 Toulouse or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Toulouse during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In July, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Toulouse usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F) 
    Nice 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Nice. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Nice. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F) 
    Nice 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Nice. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Toulouse is cooler than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F) 
    Nice 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 12°C (54°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nice. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F) 
    Nice 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Nice and Toulouse

Toulouse Nice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)