New research has revealed the top 10 most expensive cities in the Mediterranean for a holiday, with Monte Carlo taking the top spot. Financial experts at Gambling ‘N Go analysed the average cost of several factors in each major Mediterranean city, including flights from any London airport, hotels for a seven week stay, and a mid-range restaurant for two people. A score out of 100 was given to each city based on the cost of each factor, with the lowest scores determining which cities are most expensive.
| Rank | Most Expensive Cities | Index Score |
| 1 | Monte Carlo, Monaco | 26.4 |
| 2 | Tel Aviv, Israel | 29.6 |
| 3 | Cannes, France | 29.8 |
| 4 | Nice, France | 36.1 |
| 5 | Barcelona, Spain | 39.7 |
| 6 | Valletta, Malta | 41.8 |
| 7 | Haifa, Israel | 44.0 |
| 8 | Venice, Italy | 44.4 |
| 9 | Marseilles, France | 45.6 |
| 10 | Marbella, Spain | 46.1 |
| Rank | Cheapest Cities | Index Score |
| 1 | Oran, Algeria | 94.9 |
| 2 | Port Said, Egypt | 90.3 |
| 3 | Algiers, Algeria | 88.0 |
| 4 | Tunis, Tunisia | 87.0 |
| 5 | Tangier, Morocco | 82.5 |
| 6 | Alexandria, Egypt | 82.3 |
| 7 | Izmir, Turkey | 81.9 |
| 8 | Mersin, Turkey | 81.8 |
| 9 | Antalya, Turkey | 79.6 |
| 10 | Istanbul, Turkey | 77.7 |
Taking the crown in the ranking of the most expensive Mediterranean cities for a holiday is Monte Carlo in Monaco, with a score of 26.4. Known for its glamour, the city boasts many luxurious attractions such as Place du Casino which is situated near an abundance of high-end stores. Monte Carlo is the most expensive city for hotels, costing a staggering amount of £2,283.50 on average for a seven-night stay.
Tel Aviv in Israel places second on the list with a score of 29.6. It’s the most expensive city for a beer, costing an average of £7.37 – so expect to splurge if you take a trip here and fancy heading to a bar.
Third on the list is Cannes, France – the city takes a final score of 29.8. Famous for being the French Riviera’s glamour capital, it can prove a challenge to visit Cannes on a budget – and flights alone will cost you an average of £560.
In fourth place is Cannes’ neighbour, Nice, with a final score of 36.1. The city has plenty to offer from the stunning Promenade des Anglais to the vibrant Old Town, but it also has the highest price for a taxi costing £1.84 per km.
Barcelona takes the fifth spot, which has a score of 39.7. The Spanish city is filled with extravagant architecture, Including la Sagrada Familia, as well as many areas to indulge in Spanish delicacies such as the Poble Sec neighbourhood which is renowned for its tapas bars. Although, to experience the Spanish lifestyle you’ll be spending an average of £1,189 on a week’s stay in a hotel.
Malta’s capital Valletta places sixth on the list, taking a score of 41.8. If you wish to visit this city, it could cost you a pretty penny; Valletta has one of the highest prices for a mid-range restaurant for two, costing an average of £71.
Taking the seventh spot is Haifa in Israel, which has a score of 44. There are many fantastic sites to see, from the Bahai Gardens to the Stella Maris Monastery – but if you want to finish your day of site-seeing off with a beer, you’ll be spending an average of £6.82 per drink.
Venice places eighth on the list and takes a score of 44.4. The Floating City, located in the North East of Italy, is certainly picturesque with an array of tranquil canals and hidden courtyards – and you’ll find many spectacular hotels here, including The Gritti Palace and Belmond Hotel Cipriani. However, it may set you back quite a bit, with a seven-night stay here costing an average of £1,067.50.
Yet another French city to make the list is Marseilles in ninth place with a score of 45.6. Here you’ll find lots of excellent restaurants, and many of them will serve local speciality dishes including bouillabaisse, a seafood soup which originated in the city over two centuries ago. If you’re keen for a dining experience in Marseilles, keep in mind that a meal for two will cost an average of £61.82.
Last on the list is Marbella in southern Spain, taking the tenth spot with a score of 46.1. Being a popular destination for celebrities, there’s plenty to do in the city from experiencing the vibrant nightlife or dining out to try different cuisines. But if the latter is more up your street, Marbella has the highest price for a meal for two; you could be spending an average of £79.37 for a meal for two.
A spokesperson from Gambling ‘N Go has commented on the findings: “There’s plenty of beautiful spots along the Mediterranean coast that make for the perfect holiday by offering both the beach for a day to soak up the sunrays and the city centre to explore the culture. However, while many of these places may be on your bucket list, you may be unaware of whether they are within your budget.”
“Fortunately, the data reveals just how much you can expect to spend if you plan on taking a trip to one of these cities so that you can consider when would be the most suitable time for you to visit based on your finances or perhaps choose an alternative destination which is more affordable.”
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