As a backpacker, choosing between Manchester and Nice means weighing different cultural experiences, climates, and budgets. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you decide.
Which City Offers a Lower Overall Daily Budget for Backpackers?
Manchester generally offers a slightly lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Nice. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities.
- Manchester Estimated Daily Budget: €40-58
- Accommodation (hostel bed): €20-30 per night
- Food (supermarket groceries & budget meals): €15-20 per day
- Local Transport (day pass/multiple tickets): €5-8 per day
- Nice Estimated Daily Budget: €48-67
- Accommodation (hostel bed): €25-35 per night (often at the higher end of the typical €15-30 range due to popularity)
- Food (supermarket groceries & budget meals): €15-25 per day (can be challenging to stay under €20, but possible with strict budgeting)
- Local Transport (day pass/multiple tickets): €5-7 per day
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Manchester hostels generally fall within the €20-30 per night range for a dorm bed. Availability can vary, but options are plentiful. Nice, being a popular Riviera destination, typically sees hostel dorm beds priced at the higher end of the €25-35 per night range, especially during peak season. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
What Are Typical Food Costs for Backpackers?
For budget travelers aiming for €10-20 per day on food: In Manchester, you can find supermarket essentials for self-catering, budget takeaways (e.g., fish and chips, kebabs), and cheap pub grub for €8-15 per meal. In Nice, self-catering from supermarkets (e.g., Carrefour, Lidl) is key for saving money, with ingredients costing around €6-10 for a day’s worth of basic meals. Budget-friendly street food like socca (chickpea pancake) or small bakery items can cost €3-8, while casual eateries might start from €12-20 for a main dish.
How Much Should I Budget for Local Transportation?
Both cities have efficient public transport systems. In Manchester, a day pass for buses, trams, and trains typically costs €5-8. Many central areas are walkable. In Nice, a single bus or tram ticket costs around €1.50, and a 24-hour pass is approximately €5-7. The compact city center and Promenade des Anglais are easily explored on foot.
When Is the Best Time to Visit to Save Money?
For both cities, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the peak summer months. Nice sees a more significant price jump in summer due to beach tourism, while Manchester maintains more consistent pricing year-round, though major events can cause spikes.
AllInMap can help backpackers locate free amenities like public toilets, water fountains, and free Wi-Fi spots in both cities, further helping to manage daily expenses.
