For backpackers comparing Marseille, France, and Vilnius, Lithuania, key factors often revolve around budget, culture, and experience. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you decide:
Which City Offers a Lower Daily Budget?
Vilnius, Lithuania generally offers a significantly lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Marseille, France. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities. In Vilnius, a realistic daily budget often ranges from €30-55, while Marseille leans towards the higher end, typically requiring €50-70 per day.
A daily budget breakdown (estimated) often looks like this:
- Vilnius: Accommodation €15-25, Food €10-20, Transport/Activities €5-10.
- Marseille: Accommodation €25-35, Food €15-25, Transport/Activities €10-15.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Accommodation costs are notably higher in Marseille. A bed in a well-rated hostel dormitory in Marseille typically costs €25-40 per night. In contrast, a similar hostel bed in Vilnius can be found for €15-25 per night. Prices in both cities can fluctuate based on season, with spring and fall often offering lower rates than peak summer.
What Are the Food and Drink Expenses?
Food and drink expenses are also considerably lower in Vilnius. In Marseille, casual meals at local restaurants or eateries might range from €12-20, with street food or market options starting around €5-10. In Vilnius, you can often find satisfying casual meals for €8-15, and street food or budget-friendly local snacks typically cost €4-8. Cooking your own meals from supermarket ingredients is a cost-effective strategy in both cities. Using resources like AllInMap can help you locate free amenities such as water refill stations to save money.
Are Transportation Costs Different?
Public transportation costs are generally lower in Vilnius. A single ticket for public transport in Marseille (e.g., metro, bus, tram) is approximately €1.70-2, with a day pass costing around €5-7. In Vilnius, a single public transport ticket is roughly €1, and a day pass can be found for about €3-5. Both cities have walkable city centers, allowing you to explore many attractions on foot, minimizing transport costs.
Which City Offers a More Diverse Travel Experience?
Both cities offer unique and rich travel experiences. Marseille, France’s oldest city and a major Mediterranean port, provides a vibrant blend of cultures, historic sites like the Vieux Port and Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and easy access to natural beauty such as the Calanques National Park. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, boasts a stunning UNESCO-listed Baroque Old Town, charming cobblestone streets, artistic enclaves like Užupis, and a rich history visible in its architecture and museums. The choice depends on your preference for a lively Mediterranean port city versus a tranquil, historically rich Baltic capital.
