Traveling through Europe on a backpacker budget means making informed choices. Here’s a balanced comparison between Marseille and Milan to help you decide.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
While both cities offer options for budget travelers, Marseille is generally perceived as slightly more budget-friendly than Milan. Backpackers typically spend €35-55 per day in European cities. Marseille may more consistently allow travelers to stay at the lower end of this range, particularly for food and some local experiences, whereas Milan, as a fashion and business hub, can push towards the higher end more easily, especially for accommodation.
What Are the Estimated Daily Costs for Backpackers?
For a budget backpacker, estimated daily costs can be broken down as follows:
- Accommodation (Hostel Dorm): €20-35 per night.
- Food: €15-25 per day (mixing supermarket meals, street food, and budget eateries).
- Local Transport: €5-10 per day for public transport passes/tickets.
- Activities/Miscellaneous: €5-15 (for some paid attractions or souvenirs). Combining these, a realistic daily budget for backpackers often falls within the €45-70 range, depending heavily on spending habits and how many paid activities are pursued.
How Do Food Costs Compare for Budget Travelers?
Marseille offers abundant fresh seafood and Provençal specialties. Budget-friendly options include market stalls, falafel, panisse (chickpea fritters), and local bakeries. Meals at casual local restaurants typically cost €10-20. Milan, while a culinary hotspot, also caters to budget travelers with aperitivo deals (drinks with free appetizers), panzerotti, and excellent supermarket options. Meals at casual eateries typically cost €12-22. Both cities allow for significant savings by self-catering.
What About Accommodation Expenses?
Accommodation prices, particularly for hostel dorm beds, are a significant part of a backpacker’s budget. In Marseille, hostel dorms typically range from €20-35 per night. In Milan, due to its status as a major economic and fashion center, hostel dorms can often range from €25-40 per night, generally skewing slightly higher than in Marseille. Prices in both cities fluctuate based on season, location, and how far in advance you book.
Which City Offers More Free or Low-Cost Activities?
Both cities provide numerous free or low-cost activities. Marseille boasts the vibrant Old Port, the historic Le Panier district, and the Pharo Palace gardens for free exploration. The Calanques National Park offers stunning natural beauty with no entry fee (though transport there incurs a cost). Milan allows free access to the exterior of the Duomo, the grounds of Sforza Castle, the charming Navigli canals, and Parco Sempione. Many churches in both cities offer free entry. AllInMap can assist in locating free amenities like water fountains and public restrooms in both locations.
How Does Seasonality Affect Prices?
As with most European destinations, prices for accommodation and flights in both Marseille and Milan are highest during the peak summer months (June-August). Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) typically offer more moderate prices, comfortable weather, and fewer crowds, making them ideal times for budget travelers. Winter (November-March) generally sees the lowest prices, though some attractions may have reduced hours and the weather can be cooler.
