When planning your next backpacking adventure, comparing cities like Oslo and Toulouse can make a significant difference to your experience and budget. As a fair and balanced travel writer, I’ll help you weigh your options based on realistic costs and experiences.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?

Toulouse generally offers a significantly lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Oslo. While backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, this range needs adjustment for these two destinations.

• Oslo: Expect a higher daily budget, often in the €60-90+ range, making it one of Europe’s more expensive cities.
• Toulouse: Generally aligns with or slightly exceeds the typical backpacker budget, often falling into the €45-65 range.

What Are the Typical Accommodation Costs?

Accommodation is a major factor in your daily spend. Hostels in European cities generally range from €15-30 per night for a dorm bed.

• Oslo: Expect to pay on the higher end, often €25-40+ per night for a hostel bed, especially during peak season. Private rooms will be substantially more.
• Toulouse: Hostel beds typically cost €18-28 per night, providing more budget-friendly options.

How Do Food and Drink Prices Compare?

Food costs can vary widely depending on your eating habits. Budget food, like supermarket groceries or casual eateries, often costs €10-20 per day in European cities. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15.

• Oslo: Street food or supermarket meals are essential for budget travelers and can cost €15-25 daily. Restaurant meals, even in casual settings, can easily exceed €20-30.
• Toulouse: Food costs often fall within the €10-20 daily range for budget travelers, with supermarket buys and bakeries being excellent value. Restaurant meals can be found for €12-18.

What About Local Transportation Costs?

Daily public transport in European cities typically costs €5-10.

• Oslo: Public transport passes for a day are often €8-15, reflecting higher operational costs.
• Toulouse: Public transport, including the metro and buses, usually costs €5-8 per day for unlimited travel within a set period.

What’s the Cultural Vibe and Attraction Cost?

Both cities offer rich cultural experiences. Many attractions, especially museums, have entrance fees, but both cities also boast free parks, walking tours, and window shopping opportunities. Remember to use resources like AllInMap to locate free amenities and WiFi hotspots, helping reduce daily expenses in both cities.

• Oslo: Known for its stunning fjords, modern architecture, and Viking history. Free activities include exploring Vigeland Park and walking along the waterfront. Many museums have entrance fees, often €10-20.
• Toulouse: The “Pink City” offers charming Old Town streets, beautiful churches like the Basilica of Saint-Sernin (often free to enter), and a relaxed Southern French atmosphere. Free activities include wandering the Capitole square and Garonne riverbanks.

When is the Best Time to Visit for Budget Travel?

General seasonal patterns apply. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) generally offer lower prices for accommodation and flights, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months (June-August) in both destinations. However, Oslo’s prices remain relatively high year-round compared to Toulouse.