Lyonis 17% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (25/10) vs Bologna "Pricey" (19/10). Dorms avg $42/night vs $30/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇮🇹 Bologna
🇫🇷 Lyon
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
7 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
★★★★★
9 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $119/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $82/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.23, dorms avg $45
★★★★★
Coffee $4.08, dorms avg $30
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $7.07, 7 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $8.25, 9 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
19 attractions
★★★★★
18 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇮🇹 Bologna | 🇫🇷 Lyon | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $61 | $50 cheaper | $10/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $95 | $83 cheaper | $12/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $143 | $129 cheaper | $14/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇮🇹 Bologna | 🇫🇷 Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $23.58 | $17.68 25% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $44.21 | $35.37 20% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $7.07 14% less | $8.25 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.23 45% less | $4.08 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2.71 | $2.48 8% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇮🇹▼
Bologna
Italy
19
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $45/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelB&B Selvarossa (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$42/night
Total hostels16
🇫🇷▼
Lyon
France
25
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $30/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMeininger Lyon Centre Berthelot (9.4)
Annual dorm avg$30/night
Total hostels9
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇮🇹 Bologna
🇫🇷 Lyon
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Bologna & Lyon
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇮🇹 Bologna
15°C
High
/
5°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 83mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
🇫🇷 Lyon
13°C
High
/
4°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 75mm/month
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Bologna or Lyon cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Bologna vs Lyon?+
Do I need a visa for Bologna or Lyon?+
When is the best time to visit Bologna or Lyon?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Bologna and Lyon?+
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