Sleeping cheap in Nice: hostels, hotels and good deals

Last updated on by Équipe niceTrotter3 min read

Youth hostels, budget hotels near the station and affordable districts: sleeping in Nice can cost €30-100 a night. The 2026 budget guide.

Nice has a reputation problem: it is said to be expensive, and the seafront hotels are. But the city also has a genuine budget offer (hostels, hotels near the station, popular neighbourhoods), provided you know where to look. And above all, a low season that halves prices.

Youth hostels: the minimum budget

  • HI Nice Les Camélias (3 rue Spitaliéri): the official hostel, 130 beds in rooms of 2 to 8, a 10-minute walk from the station. Note: open from 1 February to 30 November (closed in December);
  • Villa Saint Exupéry Beach (6 rue Sacha Guitry): 200 m from the Old Town and the beaches, 24-hour reception, the most convenient for evening outings.

A dormitory bed usually costs 30 to 50 € per night, depending on the season (dynamic rates: book early in summer).

Budget hotels: where to find them

Affordable 2-3 star hotels are concentrated around the station (the area has changed a lot; its 13 € lunch deals are proof), in Libération and in Riquier. Expect to pay 80-120 € in low season, and considerably more in August (200 € and above in the centre). The rule: average TripAdvisor prices in Nice range from 108 € (low season) to 275 € (high season): the difference is huge.

Budget neighbourhoods

  • Libération: market, shops, gentler rents than the centre, and the tram to reach everywhere;
  • Riquier and Saint-Roch: lively working-class neighbourhoods, restaurants with locals' prices, 20 minutes' walk from the Old Town;
  • The station area: the cheapest location for chain hotels, and very handy for day trips by train.

Our neighbourhood guide describes the atmosphere of each one so you can choose with full information.

When to pay less

  • November to March: low season, when prices drop by half (108 € on average); the climate stays mild (see Nice in winter);
  • May, June and September: the best weather-to-price compromise;
  • Avoid: Carnival (February) and the Cannes Film Festival (May), which push prices up across the whole region.

Pitfalls to know about

  • The tourist tax is added to the bill (collected by hotels and rental platforms);
  • Parking is expensive and scarce: a hotel without parking is often smarter than a rental with a car (see the parking guide);
  • Holiday rentals display attractive prices but are often more expensive than a hotel once cleaning fees and taxes are added: always compare the total.

A realistic budget

Combining a hostel bed (35 €), a popular neighbourhood and low season, you can sleep in Nice for 30-50 € per night. In a 2-3 star hotel out of season, budget 80-120 €. For the rest of your trip, our low-budget guide completes the picture.

Compare stays for your budget

Prices depend on your dates and neighbourhood. Check the total price, tourist tax and cancellation terms.

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FAQ

How much does a night in Nice cost in 2026?

From 30-50 € in a hostel dormitory to 80-120 € in a budget hotel out of season. Hotel averages range from 108 € (low season) to 275 € (August).

Which youth hostels are there in Nice?

HI Nice Les Camélias (near the station, open February to November) and Villa Saint Exupéry Beach (200 m from the Old Town, 24-hour reception).

Which neighbourhoods are best for cheap stays?

The station area, Libération, Riquier and Saint-Roch offer the best prices, 15-20 minutes from the centre by tram or on foot.

When are hotels in Nice cheapest?

November to March: prices drop by half. May, June and September are the best compromise between weather and price.

Is there a tourist tax in Nice?

Yes, it is added to the overnight stay (collected by hotels and rental platforms). The amount varies according to the category of accommodation.

Is Airbnb cheaper than a hotel in Nice?

Not always: once the cleaning fee and tourist tax are added, a short-term rental often works out at the same price as a budget hotel.

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