Is France Expensive?

Is France expensive to visit?

France is a moderately priced travel destination. Compared to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced country to visit. It's ranked in the top 50% of countries in Europe for its travel costs, and is comparable to places like Monaco and Greenland.

With plenty of famous destinations, this country is very popular with tourists. A wide range of destinations are found here at a variety of prices. Some of the most expensive places to visit are Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Versailles, and Avignon. On the other hand, if you're looking for cheaper cities, you can visit Le Mans, Nantes, and Saint-Etienne.


Average daily price of selected cities in France, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Avignon $841
Versailles $328
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc $313
Paris $308
Annecy $252
Beaune $239
Honfleur $221
La Rochelle $159
Auxerre $158
Rouen $156
Carcassonne $154
Saint-Etienne $151
Nantes $146
Le Mans $118


Annecy, France

How expensive is France?

On average, visitors spend about $300 per day during their visit to France (U.S. Dollars). Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for France here.

How expensive is a one week trip to France?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to France costs around $2,097 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $4,195.

How expensive is a two week trip to France?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a two week trip to France will cost around $4,195 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a two week trip would cost $8,389.

How expensive is a month long trip to France?

On average, a one month trip to France costs about $8,989 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one month trip costs $17,977.



Giverny, France

Is it expensive to backpack in France?

France is a popular backpacker destination with more than 170 hostels around the country. Hostels cost, on average, $35 per night for a dorm. (See hostel prices in France here.) In particular, many backpackers head to Paris, Nice, and Lyon. You'll find the most expensive hostels in Biarritz, Paris, and Nice, which average $46, $37, and $36 a night. The cheapest hostels are in Toulouse, Marseille, and Lille which average $30, $29, and $29 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in France.

  • $44 for a dorm bed at FIAP Paris in Paris
  • $25 for a dorm bed at Antares Hostel in Nice
  • $36 for a dorm bed at Slo Lyon les Pentes in Lyon

Where to find affordable hostels in France
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Paris 44 $37
Nice 14 $36
Lyon 11 $34
Bordeaux 11 $31
Biarritz 8 $46
Toulouse 7 $30
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 6 $35
Lille 6 $29
Marseille 6 $29

Are hotels expensive in France?

When analyzing the price of hotels in France, they're generally moderately priced compared to the rest of the world. The average price is $147 per night for a decent hotel room. Keep in mind that places like Saint-Tropez are more expensive, averaging around $543 per night. But fear not, there are budget-friendly destinations like Toulouse where you can book a room for an average of $70 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in France
City Average Hotel Price
Saint-Tropez $543
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc $526
Annecy $341
Cannes $220
Paris $200
Montpellier $78
Le Mans $77
Nantes $76
Rouen $74
Toulouse $70

10 avenue Edouard VII, Biarritz
Overall Rating 8.7
14 Avenue Marechal Foch, Dijon
Overall Rating 8.7


Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France

How expensive are sightseeing activities in France?

Activities and things to do in France can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $36 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

  • Welcome to Strasbourg! Walking Tour: $35
  • Paris: Experience Segway Top Highlights Small Group 2 Hours: $81
  • Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Artist: $139
  • Orangerie and Monet Water Lilies Exclusive Tour Reserved Entry: $155
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $105
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in the Old Town of Antibes: $29
  • Paris Family Adventure- a Fun City Quest for Kids: $88
  • Through Alsace Vineyards and Wine Villages Private Bike Tour: $128

Is food expensive in France?

Food in France can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $81 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

  • Paris: Le Marais Private Guided Food Tour with 10 French Tastings: $273
  • The Provençal Food Tour in Aix-en-Provence: $76
  • Food Tour - Discover La Rochelle: $140
  • A Gastronomic Dinner with a MasterChef winner in Paris: $238
  • Croix Rousse Market & Rooftop Cooking Class in Lyon: $216
  • Bordeaux Evening Food Tour with a sommelier: $123


Nice, France

Is transportation expensive in France?

Local transportation in France can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $34 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Intercity transportation in France can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $67 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

More for France

If you're planning a trip to France, check out these other informative travel guides.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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