Navigating Europe on a backpacker budget requires smart choices. Here’s a balanced comparison of Copenhagen and Lyon to help you decide.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Lyon generally offers a more budget-friendly experience than Copenhagen. While backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, Copenhagen’s higher cost of living pushes daily expenses significantly above this range.
Estimated Daily Budget Breakdown (Backpacker):
- Copenhagen:
- Accommodation (hostel): €30-50/night (estimated, often exceeding the typical €15-30 European hostel range).
- Food (budget): €30-50/day (estimated, combining supermarket groceries, street food like ‘pølser,’ and occasional affordable cafe meals).
- Transport: €0-10/day (walking and cycling are popular and cost-effective; public transport passes add to costs).
- Estimated Total: €60-110/day.
- Lyon:
- Accommodation (hostel): €20-40/night (estimated, often within or slightly above the typical €15-30 European hostel range).
- Food (budget): €25-45/day (estimated, leveraging local markets, bakeries, and affordable ‘bouchons’ or casual restaurants. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15).
- Transport: €5-10/day (walkable city center, efficient public transport with daily/multi-day passes).
- Estimated Total: €50-95/day.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Lyon generally has more affordable hostel options. While hostels across Europe can range from €15-30/night, Copenhagen frequently sees prices starting from €30 and reaching €50+ for a dorm bed, particularly during peak season. Lyon’s hostels, while still a major city, typically fall into the €20-40/night range, making it more accessible.
Which City Offers Cheaper Food Options?
Lyon offers a better value for food. Known as France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon boasts a rich culinary scene with options ranging from budget-friendly market finds, delicious bakery items, and ‘bouchons’ (traditional Lyonnaise eateries) that offer hearty meals. While individual cheap meals might be €8-15, a full day’s food budget is more manageable. Copenhagen’s food scene, while excellent, comes with a higher price tag. Supermarket groceries and street food options (like hot dogs) are key for budget travelers, as restaurant meals can be considerably more expensive.
What About Transport and Free Activities?
Both cities are well-suited for walking and cycling, offering free ways to explore. Copenhagen is renowned for its bike culture, making it easy to get around cheaply. Lyon has a good public transport system and a compact, walkable center. When planning, consider using resources like AllInMap to discover free amenities and attractions, which can further reduce daily spending in either city. Spring and fall typically offer lower prices for both accommodation and flights compared to the busy summer months.
