Toulouse is a friendly city known for Aeroscopia, Cité de l'Espace, and the Natural History Museum. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Toulouse and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Toulouse?
You should plan to spend around $167 (€153) per day on your vacation in Toulouse. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $68 (€62) on meals
- $45 (€41) on local transportation
- $144 (€132) on hotels
A one week trip to Toulouse for two people costs, on average, $2,334 (€2,142). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,167
€1,071
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,334
€2,142
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One Month
Per person
$5,002
€4,590
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,334
€2,142
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,668
€4,284
-
One Month
For a couple
$10,004
€9,180
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Toulouse cost?
A one week trip to Toulouse usually costs around $1,167 (€1,071) for one person and $2,334 (€2,142) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Toulouse on average costs around $2,334 (€2,142) for one person and $4,668 (€4,284) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Toulouse will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Toulouse on average costs around $5,002 (€4,590) for one person and $10,004 (€9,180) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Toulouse expensive to visit?
Toulouse is a small yet inviting city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Toulouse to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $73 (€67) per day, mid-range travelers spend $167 (€153) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $319 (€293) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Toulouse.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Toulouse is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Los Cristianos or Valencia.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Toulouse Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Toulouse?
The average Toulouse trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Toulouse travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Toulouse cost?
Toulouse on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$31
(€29)
|
$72
(€66)
|
$137
(€126)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$20
(€18)
|
$45
(€41)
|
$86
(€79)
|
Food 2
|
$30
(€27)
|
$68
(€62)
|
$129
(€119)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(€6.72)
|
$17
(€15)
|
$32
(€29)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(€2-5)
|
$4-12
(€4-11)
|
$8-23
(€7-21)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Toulouse, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $73 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Toulouse offers plenty of hostels, including La petite auberge de Saint-Sernin, Friendly Auberge, and Eklo Toulouse. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. The culinary scene is also a highlight for everyone in Toulouse, but budget travelers tend to eat street food or make their own meals in hostels, potentially missing out on the rich flavors of the local cuisine.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. When visiting Toulouse, you'll want to see Aeroscopia, Cité de l'Espace, or the Natural History Museum. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $167 per person, per day.
In Toulouse, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. ibis Styles Toulouse Cite Espace is a great choice for families, and Hotel des Arts Toulouse is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Toulouse.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $319. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city will entail a more premium price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private tour of Toulouse in an electric Tuk Tuk - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Toulouse
Prices for hotels in Toulouse vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $70, but during peak summer season, average prices climb to $131. With options ranging from $54 to $185, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Toulouse for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $144 (€132). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $72 (€66) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Toulouse? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Toulouse include:
- Villa du Taur starting at $119
- Mercure Toulouse Sud starting at $76
- Courtyard by Marriott Toulouse Airport starting at $98
- Grand Hotel de l'Opera BW Premier Collection starting at $88
- Mercure Toulouse Centre Wilson Capitole starting at $81
The effecient public transportation in Toulouse allows for cheaper accommodations outside the city, but commuting might take a bite out of your travel budget and time.
Toulouse is a great destination for families, and you'll want to find an apartment or larger accommodation when traveling with kids.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Many people love to walk around Toulouse, so you'll want to choose accommodation in a central area. However, this can mean a higher price point.
The city's captivating old town is a key attraction for visitors. Hotels in this area may be expensive, but they often have a lot of charm and provide easy access to everything.
Transportation Budget in Toulouse
Toulouse has a decent public transportation system that reaches several top attractions. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally. For an affordable and quick way to get around, public transit works well, depending on your location. Taxis and rideshares are also an option if needed.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time here. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 



(good)
Walkability: 



(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $45 (€41) per person, per day, on local transportation in Toulouse. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Toulouse is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$45
€41
When driving, it's important to check that your hotel has good parking options.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre for $65 details
- Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport for $86 details
- Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van for $40 details
How much does it cost to go to Toulouse? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Toulouse will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Toulouse
You won't want to overlook the world-class cuisine in Toulouse. Take the time to dine at local eateries and indulge in their unique specialties. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Toulouse can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Toulouse is $68 (€62) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$68
€62
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Toulouse is around $68 (€62) per person, with previous travelers spending from $30 to $129. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Toulouse are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $27
- Dinner: $20 to $47
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Toulouse, much like the rest of France, has an excellent food scene. There are some great local dishes to try, such as: Saucisse de Toulouse, a type of sausage, cassoulet Toulousain, a bean and pork stew, and garbure, a cabbage soup with poultry. Also, foie gras, the liver of an overfed duck or goose, is a delicacy mainly made in the Midi-Pyrenees.
There are many great restaurants to choose from, but for a few ideas try, Solilesse, which is a great Bistro, La Genty Magre is a good option for traditional French cuisine, and for a more modern twist on French cuisine, try Restaurant Py-r.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Toulouse, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience for $102 details
- No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse ! For $52 details
- Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings for $103 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Toulouse
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Toulouse, as it is known for its food, museums and attractions, nightlife, and historical sights.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Toulouse typically cost an average of $17 (€15) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
€15
Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:
- Aeroscopia for €15
- Cité de l'Espace for €26
- The Natural History Museum for €12
- The Japanese Garden (Free)
- Pont Neuf (Free)
- Capitole de Toulouse (Free)
- Basilique Saint-Sernin (Free)
- Fondation Bemberg for €11
- The Convent of Les Jacobins for €5
Toulouse has many great sites, two of which are UNESCO world heritage sites.
The Canal de Midi (or canal of the two seas), one of the UNESCO sites, is a 241 km canal constructed in the 17th century. It is considered one of the greatest construction works of that century.
The second UNESCO world heritage site in Toulouse is the Basilica of St. Sernin, which is the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe and possibly the world. The church is the only remaining building of the Abbey. It was built somewhere between 1080 and 1120 and, for anyone interested in architecture or historic sites, you won't want to miss it.
There's plenty to do in Toulouse. You could go see a performance at the ballet, opera, or theatre. Or take a guided tour through one of the city's fabulous museums. The culture in the city is historic and vibrant, and these make great options for a night out.
You could also take a city tour on a mini bus. With its open top, it is a great way to see the city and all of its historic monuments.
For something a little different, try a Segway tour of the city and ride around in style, getting a little closer to the attractions available!
Museums and Attractions:
People flock to Toulouse for its renowned museums and famous landmarks. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.
Historical Sights:
The old town, steeped in history, draws in a wide array of visitors. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.
Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Toulouse. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Toulouse E Bike Tour for $48 details
- Toulouse Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide for $283 details
- Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Toulouse with Official Tour Guide for $250 details
Nightlife Budget in Toulouse
In Toulouse, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $8.17 (€7.50) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Toulouse per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.17
€7.50
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Toulouse. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Cheese and wine tasting workshop with a local cheesemonger for $474 details
- From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting for $523 details
Travel cost data last updated: Jun 17, 2024
Traveling in Toulouse
Toulouse, France
Toulouse is the capital city of the southwest French Department of Haute-Garonne, as well as the Occitanie region. It rests on the banks of the River Garonne. Toulouse is the fourth largest city and metropolitan area in France with nearly 500,000 inhabitants. Toulouse is the headquarters of the European aerospace industry, with the headquarters of Airbus, the Galileo positioning system, the SPOT satellite system, the Aerospace Group, ATR, and the Aerospace Valley. Toulouse is a city with unique architecture made of pink terracotta bricks, which earned it the nickname la Ville Rose ("the Pink City"). Its enchanting Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter) is a dreamy jumble of coral-colored shop fronts and churches. Toulouse knows how to have a good time, whether in food markets or the thick of its smoldering jazz, techno and rock scenes. From the tips of dusky pink spires to its loudest bars, time spent in Toulouse truly has a rose colored glow.
Neighborhoods & Around
St. Cyprien is a good neighborhood to visit if you want to get the local feel of Toulouse blended with some key tourist sights. This neighborhood is multicultural, boisterous and brimming with activity and things to do. It is a hotspot for young families, students and the like to hang out or reside. Saint Cyprien is located on the west side of the Garonne River, just outside the old city walls of Toulouse. Walk down any of the many side streets in Saint Cyprien and you can find a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, bakeries, specialty shops and hair dressers. If art is your thing, Les Abattoirs is a museum of modern art on one of the main streets in St. Cyprien.
Carmes is another good neighborhood. It has everything you need in one little lovely neighborhood mixed with beautiful old homes with gated courtyards. On the main and side roads, there are many wonderful bars, restaurants and shops bustling with people from morning until after dark.
Les Chalets and St. Aubin are two other neighborhoods in Toulouse. Primarily a quiet residential neighborhood lined with trees that guard the beautiful bourgeoisie homes near the canal. Les Chalets is limited in terms of shops and restaurants, but the few they have are quite impressive. And just minutes away is St. Aubin, with its wonderful Sunday market and petit rues filled with ethnic restaurants, cute bars and shops.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.