As a backpacker, choosing between two iconic French cities like Lyon and Paris requires a balanced look at your budget and travel style. Here’s a comparison to help you decide, based on realistic European city costs.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?

Lyon generally offers a slightly lower daily budget compared to Paris. Backpackers can typically expect to spend between €35-55 per day in European cities, and Lyon usually falls towards the lower-to-mid end of this range, while Paris often sits at the mid-to-higher end.

A realistic daily budget breakdown might look like this:

• Accommodation (hostel dorm bed): €15-30 per night.
• Food (budget options, self-catering, market food): €10-20 per day.
• Local Transport: €5-10 per day.

While both cities can be explored on a budget, Paris’s global popularity often drives prices slightly higher across the board.

How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?

Hostel dorm beds in both cities typically range from €15-30 per night. In Paris, finding options at the lower end of this spectrum can be challenging, especially during peak season (summer). Lyon tends to have more availability at the mid-to-lower end of this range for similar quality. Prices for accommodation are generally lower during spring and fall compared to the busy summer months.

What About Food and Drink Expenses?

For backpackers, budget food options like bakeries, supermarkets for self-catering, and local markets can help keep daily food costs between €10-20. Casual restaurant meals are often in the €8-15 range across European cities. Lyon is renowned for its gastronomy and may offer slightly better value for sit-down meals, with high-quality traditional dishes often costing less than in Paris for a comparable experience. Drinks, especially alcoholic beverages, will add to the budget in both cities.

Is Public Transportation More Affordable in Lyon or Paris?

Daily public transport costs typically fall within €5-10 in major European cities. Both Lyon and Paris have extensive, efficient public transport systems (metros, trams, buses). Paris’s larger network might mean slightly higher single-ticket costs or multi-zone passes, but daily passes generally remain within this estimated range in both cities. Walking is an excellent free option for exploring central areas in both, significantly cutting transport costs.

Remember, services like AllInMap can help backpackers find free amenities and resources, further optimizing their budget in any city.