Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇫🇷 Lyon
🇫🇷 Marseille
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
9 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
★★★★★
4 hostels, avg 8.7 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $82/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $85/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.08, dorms avg $30
★★★★★
Coffee $3.69, dorms avg $36
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $8.25, 9 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $7.07, 4 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
18 attractions
★★★★★
4 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 🇫🇷 Marseille | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $50 cheaper | $52 | $1/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $83 cheaper | $86 | $4/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $129 cheaper | $135 | $6/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 🇫🇷 Marseille |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $17.68 6% less | $18.86 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $35.37 12% less | $40.39 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $8.25 | $7.07 14% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.08 | $3.69 10% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2.48 | $2.12 15% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇫🇷▼
Lyon
France
56
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $30/night). Strong hostel scene (9 hostels). Plenty to see (18 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMeininger Lyon Centre Berthelot (9.4)
Annual dorm avg$30/night
Total hostels9
🇫🇷▼
Marseille
France
35
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $36/night). Plenty to see (13 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMeininger Marseille Centre La Joliette (9.5)
Annual dorm avg$36/night
Total hostels4
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇫🇷 Lyon
🇫🇷 Marseille
🇪🇺 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 Lyon & Marseille
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇫🇷 Lyon
17°C
High
/
7°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 85mm/month
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
🇫🇷 Marseille
18°C
High
/
11°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 71mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇫🇷 Lyon
1. Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de l…
2. Horloge monumentale
3. Musée urbain Tony Garnier
4. Statue équestre de Louis XIV
5. Veilleur de pierre
🇫🇷 Marseille
1. Colonne d'Homère
2. Toit de la Cité Radieuse
3. Monument aux morts de l'Armée d'Orient et …
4. Vue sur le Château d'If
5. Palais des arts
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Lyon or Marseille cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Lyon vs Marseille?+
Do I need a visa for Lyon or Marseille?+
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