How Much Does Nice Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Nice serves as the vibrant gateway to the French Riviera, offering a budget spectrum that caters to both backpackers and the global elite. Daily costs here range from $65 / €55 for solo travelers to over $847 / €720 for those seeking high-end luxury, positioning the city as a more accessible alternative to neighboring Monaco or Saint-Tropez. While world-class art and Belle Époque architecture are major draws, the Mediterranean lifestyle dictates the local economy, where a beer can fluctuate from $8.24 / €7 in a side-street bistro to $14 / €12 on a beachfront terrace. Visitors can manage their spending by navigating the contrast between the rustic street food of Vieux Nice and the upscale private clubs lining the Promenade des Anglais. With careful planning, one can experience the glamour of the Côte d'Azur without the exorbitant price tag often associated with this stretch of coastline.
Is Nice expensive to visit?
Nice is moderately expensive but highly flexible, with daily budgets typically ranging from $65 / €55 to $847 / €720 depending on your choice of street food or luxury beach clubs.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Nice
$65
per person /day
$218
per person /day
$847
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $194 | $653 | $2,542 |
| 5-Day Trip | $324 | $1,089 | $4,237 |
| 7-Day Trip | $453 | $1,524 | $5,932 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% budget buffer to cover the nightly tourist tax and the $2.35 / €2 smart card deposits. This also accounts for the price jump in refreshments when moving from local neighborhood bars to high-traffic tourist terraces on the Promenade.
How Does It Compare?
See how Nice stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Nice
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Usually a lunch special (Formule Midi) at a local bistro. | $19 €16 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint) Prices are significantly higher ($12–$14 / €10–€12) at beach clubs and Promenade terraces. | $8.24 €7 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Taxi Flat Rate: Airport to Nice Center Regulated flat rate includes all luggage and passenger charges. No extra tip required but appreciated. | $38 €32 |
| Lignes d'Azur Single Ticket Valid for 74 minutes of travel. Note that a $2.35 / €2 refundable deposit is required for the rechargeable card. | $2 €1.7 |
| Lignes d'Azur 24h Pass Includes unlimited travel on trams and buses within the Métropole area for 24 hours. | $8.24 €7 |
| TER Train: Nice to Monaco (One Way) The most scenic and affordable way to reach the principality. Takes ~22 minutes. | $5.18 €4.4 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Antares Hostel - Dorm Bed Reliable budget option near the main train station. Rates can spike to ~$53 / €45 during peak summer months. | $24 €20 |
| Hôtel Alcôve Nice (3-star) Located just 3 minutes from the Promenade des Anglais. Mid-range value for the area. | $107 €91 |
| Hôtel Le Negresco (Luxury 5-star) The most iconic hotel in Nice on the Promenade des Anglais. | $495 €420 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Musée Matisse Entry Residents of Nice pay nothing, but international adults pay the standard $12 / €10 rate. | $12 €10 |
| 4-day Nice Museums Pass Covers all municipal museums (Matisse, MAMAC, etc.) for 96 hours. | $18 €15 |
| Beach Club Day Bed Rental Includes umbrella and access to changing rooms. Towel rental is usually ~$7.06 / €6 extra. | $41 €35 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Orange Holiday Zen (15GB) Valid for 14 days with unlimited calls in Europe. | $24 €20 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is defined by the contrast between affordable Niçois street food and pricey seaside establishments, with an inexpensive lunch special (Formule Midi) usually costing around $19 / €16. While a domestic draft beer is priced at $8.24 / €7 in local bars, prices often jump to $12–$14 / €10–€12 at prestigious beach clubs or terraces overlooking the water. Budget-conscious travelers find the best value in the Port and Garibaldi areas, where local staples like socca remain affordable.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Chez Pipo
$4.59–$14 / €3.9–€12Port / Old Town · Local chain
The Socca (chickpea pancake) is the must-try local specialty. Order two portions for a light meal.
Lou Pilha Leva
$7.06–$18 / €6–€15Vieux Nice · Street food area
Casual communal benches. Great for mussels or 'Petits Farcis' (stuffed vegetables).
Boulangerie Lagache
$6.47–$11 / €5.5–€9Port · Bakery
Grab a Pan Bagnat (a Niçois salad in a bun) for ~$8.24 / €7 and eat it by the Port.
Socca d'Or
$4.71–$13 / €4–€11Port / Garibaldi · Local chain
Less touristy than the Old Town spots, equally good quality.
La Voglia
$16–$29 / €14–€25Cours Saleya · Local chain
The portions are famously huge; one pasta dish can easily feed two people.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is efficient and cost-effective via the Lignes d'Azur network, which offers single tickets for $2 / €1.7 and 24-hour unlimited passes for $8.24 / €7. For exploring the wider region, the TER train to Monaco is the most scenic and affordable option at just $5.18 / €4.4 for a one-way trip. From the airport, a regulated flat-rate taxi to the center costs $38 / €32, covering all luggage and passengers.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options cater to all tiers, from the Antares Hostel offering dorm beds starting at $24 / €20 to mid-range boutique stays like Hôtel Alcôve at $107 / €91 per night. For those seeking the ultimate splurge, the iconic Hôtel Le Negresco commands rates of approximately $540 / €459, reflecting its status as the city's premier luxury landmark.
Accommodation Budget in Nice
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat like a local by ordering socca or pissaladière at Chez Pipo or Socca d'Or for a filling meal under $12 / €10.
- 2 Purchase the 4-day Nice Museums Pass for $18 / €15 to save significantly if planning to visit more than two municipal sites like the Musée Matisse.
- 3 Save the $41 / €35 day bed rental fee by using the free public beach sections located between the private clubs on the Promenade des Anglais.
- 4 Visit in late September when sea temperatures are still 22°C (72°F) but hotel rates drop by approximately $41 / €35 per night compared to August.
- 5 Take the L2 tram from the airport to the city center for $2 / €1.7 instead of paying the $38 / €32 taxi flat rate.
- 6 Return the physical 'La Carte' transport card to a sales office before leaving to reclaim the $2.35 / €2 refundable deposit.
- 7 Shop for fresh produce and local specialties at the Cours Saleya market to assemble a picnic rather than dining at expensive nearby restaurants.
- 8 Refill water bottles at the historic 'Fontaines d'Eau Potable' scattered throughout Vieux Nice and the Port area.
- 9 Look for the 'Formule Midi' boards at bistros for a fixed-price lunch, which is often much cheaper than the evening à la carte menu.
- 10 Walk the Sentier du Littoral coastal path to reach nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer for free instead of taking the train.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug
+40-60%
Nov, Jan, Feb
-30-50%
May, Sep, Oct
Late September offers sea temperatures of 22°C (72°F) while hotel rates drop by ~$41 / €35 per night compared to August.
Events to Watch
- ● Monaco Grand Prix (May): Hotels in Nice spike +100%
- ● Nice Carnival (Feb): City center prices rise ~25%
- ● Cannes Film Festival (May): Regional demand affects all Côte d'Azur prices
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Climbing the stairs to the top of Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for the city's best panoramic views.
- 2 Strolling the entire length of the 7km Promenade des Anglais at sunset.
- 3 Browsing the vibrant colors and scents of the Cours Saleya Flower Market.
- 4 Exploring the ornate interior of the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate in the heart of Old Town.
- 5 Taking the scenic coastal hike along the Sentier du Littoral toward Cap de Nice.
- 6 Sunbathing on the pebbled public beaches of the Baie des Anges.
- 7 Visiting the tranquil Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez with its ancient olive grove.
- 8 Watching the traditional pointu fishing boats at Port Lympia.
- 9 Self-guided walking tour through the narrow, historic alleys of Vieux Nice.
- 10 Viewing the exterior of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture.
- 11 Admiring the 'Tête Carrée' sculpture, a massive inhabitable sculpture housing a library.
- 12 Joining the locals for a game of pétanque at the courts near Place Garibaldi.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Jan (Michelin-starred Dinner)
A unique South African-French fusion experience by the port, consistently rated as one of the best in the city.
Helicopter Transfer to Monaco
The ultimate Riviera experience. Takes only 7 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the coast.
Private Speedboat Charter (2 hours)
Escape the crowded beaches to swim in the turquoise 'Blue Lagoon' near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Nice
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Nice and what they cost
Monaco & Monte Carlo
$10 / €8.8 by train
$21 / €18
$71 / €60
Antibes & Picasso Museum
$13 / €11 by train
$9.42 / €8
$53 / €45
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
No
Excellent. Even market stalls in Cours Saleya and small bakeries accept contactless payments.
Service is included. Rounding up to the nearest $1.18 / €1 or $2.35 / €2 is common at cafés. For exceptional dinner service, 5–10% is generous.
Use bank-affiliated ATMs (BNP Paribas, SG) for best rates. Avoid 'Euronet' machines which charge up to $5.89 / €5 fees per withdrawal.
Connectivity
eSIM: $22–$29 for 15GB (14 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $18 / €15 at the airport for a Free Mobile SIM with 250GB (one month).
WiFi: Widely available in the city center, libraries, and Promenade des Anglais (Nice_Wifi).
Buy an Orange Holiday Zen eSIM for ~$24 / €20 before arrival for seamless 5G coverage throughout the Riviera.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Nice.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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