Is Lille Expensive?
The city of Lille is situated in the northern part of France right on the Deule River close to the Belgian border. Lille is the fourth-largest French urban city trailing Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. In recent times, this former industrial city has morphed into a shining and proud commercial and cultural center. Not the glittering hub it used to be, expenses are generally decent in the city of Lille.
When tourists visit, they will see highlights like the quaint Old Town with a deep Flemish culture, three famous art museums, trendy shopping centers, chic restaurants, and a vibrant student community that makes a lively nightlife.
>>Also Read: Lille Travel Guide
Here Is What You Should Know About Expenses in Lille:
Food
Food is great in Lille, and visitors can get some of the best northern French delicacies in its city. A regular lunchtime menu that includes a drink in the business area of the city will cost about €15. A combo meal in a fast-food restaurant will cost about €8 for lovers of fast food. In general, a meal in an affordable Lillois restaurant costs about €12.75.
If you are going out with your partner, a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will cost about €40. McMeal at McDonald’s is everywhere, and it can be bought for about €8. When you visit, you should try the local beer as they are among the best in the region. A local beer (0.5 l) will cost about €5 while the exotic type of beer (0.33 l) will cost about €4.50.
Regular Cappuccino costs about €2.88. And when you are outdoor in the quest to see the city, a Coke/Pepsi (0.33 l) at €2.45 will quench our thirst. And it is advisable to have your water. The city’s tap water is not bad, and if you do not mind buying a 0.33-liter bottle of water, it will cost €1.44.
Markets
There are many great market options in Lille, where you can get whatever you need. Regular 1-liter milk will cost about €1.14. A loaf of fresh white bread (500 g) will cost about €1.37. A kilogram of white rice often costs €1.68 and a dozen eggs for about €2.68. Lille is famous for its cheese, and you can savor the local delicacy for about €13.62.
Lovers of chicken can step into the markets to get their choice. A kilogram of chicken fillets will cost about €11.62. If you are not a vegetarian, you can get a kilogram of beef round for about €13.72. Apples are cheap in Lille, and a kilogram will cost about €2.48, and a kilogram of bananas will cost €2.42.
Ensure the fruits are fresh when you visit the market. A kilogram of oranges will cost about €2.30. A kilogram of tomato will cost about €2.23, and a kilogram of potato will go for about €1.45. For those who love the spice of onion in their food, a kilogram of onion costs about €1.62 while a lettuce head goes for €1.46.
Transportation
Transportation is affordable in Lille and flexible. That is why most parts of the city are accessible by at least one means of transportation. Meanwhile, taxis are more expensive than every other means. A one-way ticket will cost about €1.65, while a monthly pass will go for about €58. The monthly pass will be particularly useful for tourists who intend to spend weeks in the city.
€8 is for a taxi start and €1.85 for a kilometer trip. Meanwhile, an hour taxi wait time will cost about €15. And if you rented a car already to see the city, a liter of gasoline will cost about €1.49.
Personal Care
Personal care and health are important when in a foreign city. And you should pay attention to changes in your body while you are on vacation. If you have an existing health condition, see your doctor before traveling.
A cold medicine that will last for about 6 days will cost about €5.32. A box of antibiotics (12 doses) might be all you need while in Lille. It will cost about €4.13. If you will be seeing a private doctor while in Lille, a 15 minutes consultation usually costs about €24 but check with the doctor before visiting.
Deodorants should be part of your summer-holiday starter pack. You can get a roll-on (5o ml) for €3.42 and a box of 32 tampons for about €3.81. 4 rolls of toilet paper will cost about €1.60, and a tube of toothpaste would go for about €2.23.
Entertainment
To get the best of your time in Lille, leave out time for entertainment. The city is a brilliant place to hit the theatres and go on a romantic venture to an equally magical spot. A regular dinner for two in a neighborhood pub will cost around €37, and two tickets to the movies will cost about €21. To spruce up the magical night with your partner, dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in a tourist district including appetizers, main course, wine, and dessert will cost about €47.
Clothing and Shoes
You do not need to travel heavy to Lille as there are lots of options for tourists. A pair of jeans (Levi or similar) will cost about €84.22, and a summer dress in a chain store (H&M, Zara, etc.) will cost about €31.44. Travelers can also get a pair of Nike running shoes (mid-range) for about €73.50.
Sports and Leisure
Ensuring that you stay fit and healthy while of the holiday, there are decent gymnasiums in the city center to help you keep fit. You can add this to your itinerary if you will be staying in the city for weeks. A regular fitness club will charge about €26.67 per adult for about 4 weeks. Tennis lovers might also want to stop by at a tennis court sometimes. An hour of tennis on a weekend will cost about €30. And if you are traveling alone and happen to visit on a premiere of say, a Hollywood movie, a seat will cost about €11.
Areas
For an unmatched taste of local Lillois, proceed to the ethnically mixed quarter of Wazemmes in the southwest of Place du General de Gaulle. There, some old-school workers and immigrants coexist peacefully with students and the rich Bohemians.
For most of Lille’s major sights and attractions, go to the city center. The center is the major center in the district and is where visitors will discover the economic, historical, and administrative centers of Lille. The main attractions in this area include the magnificent Grand Place and the delightful Town Hall. This area is also known to have a long strip of stalls and restaurants that sells different items.
In Vieux Lille, also known as the Old Town, the Flemish character of the city’s character can be mostly seen. The strait cobbled lanes and red brick buildings reflect their Belgian link. The quarter houses the usual Euro-Old Town catalog of boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
>>Why You Should do the Beer Tasting Treasure Hunt in Lille
How Expensive Is Lille – Summary
A tourist will most likely spend about €64 on a Lille day trip. The city is affordable compared to the likes of Paris and Lyon, yet, it is beautiful. While budgeting your Lille trip, bear in mind that children tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared, in case you are traveling with a company. From the cost of transportation, romantic night outs, to the costs of sightseeing, Lille is reasonably affordable and would be easier to plan for those on a budget.
Do you have to add anything to the cost of living or travelling to Lyon? Leave your comments below.
