A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bavaria vs. La Rioja for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bavaria or La Rioja?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bavaria or La Rioja, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Bavaria or La Rioja?

Bavaria

When someone says "Germany" you probably picture Lederhosen, sausages and beer. What you're actually picturing with that scene is the southern state of Bavaria. This region is like a scene from Hansel and Gretel – with stunning scenery and castles everywhere you look.

The largest federal state in Germany is home to approximately 12 and a half million people – all proud to be Bavarian. You'll find that many of the features of the Bavarian culture differ greatly from those in the rest of Germany. They know their roots and love their traditions, and they're always ready to share them with visitors.

With history, food, wine and plenty of kid-friendly activities, this is one area of the world where there really is something for everyone.

La Rioja

La Rioja is an area in northern Spain located in the Iberia peninsula. It is not as commonly known as some of the bigger cities, but it is a great place to visit. The area has more than 500 wineries, and though the area may not be well known as a tourist location, the name is often recognizable for its quality wine. La Rioja is full of natural beauty and Spanish culture. Because it is not as touristy as some of the larger areas of Spain, you are more likely to get a more genuine idea of real Spanish life and culture by visiting this region. The La Rioja area is nestled between cities like Burgos, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Pamplona and Zaragoza, so you are never far from the more popular northern cities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, La Rioja or Bavaria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bavaria is €151, while the average daily cost in La Rioja is €0.00. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bavaria and La Rioja in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bavaria 83
    La Rioja -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bavaria 166
    La Rioja 0.00
Compare Hotels in Bavaria and La Rioja

Looking for a hotel in Bavaria or La Rioja? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bavaria


Hotels in La Rioja


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bavaria 20
    La Rioja -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bavaria

Also for Bavaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Munich HTL-APT (MUC): $177
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Munich APT-HTL (MUC): $177
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Munich City - Munich Airport (MUC): $74
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Munich Airport (MUC)- Munich City: $74
  • Transfer Munich to Kaprun,Zell am See,Flachau,Stubai,Kitzbuhel,Innsbruck & Other: $259
  • Skip-the-line Nymphenburg Palace Guided Tour with Transfers: $235
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Munich Airport to Munich Central Station: $14
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Munich Airport (MUC) - Munich City: $155
  • Private arrival transfer Munich Airport to Munich Hotels: $245
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to Munich airport: $292
  • Private Transfer: River Cruise Dock Nuremberg to Prague: Port / Harbor transport: $268
  • Private Transfer: Munich to Munich International Airport (MUC): $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Bavaria or La Rioja?

Prices for flights to both La Rioja and Bavaria change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bavaria 36
    La Rioja -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bavaria

For Bavaria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $136
  • Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
  • Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $209
  • Private - Viktualienmarkt Food Tour and Beyond - best Munich tastings: $229
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
  • Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Dinner : $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bavaria 26
    La Rioja -

Tours and Activities in Bavaria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bavaria.

  • Romantic Road Ticket from Würzburg(Main) to Rothenburg/Tauber (SUNDAY): $40
  • 2 Hours Private Medieval Musical Tour: Rothenburg's Historic Gems: $158
  • 2 hour city tour through Regensburg: $130
  • 2-hour Private Walking Tour in Munich: $214
  • 2-hour city tour by bike in Munich to the hotspots of the Isar metropolis: $35
  • 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $210
  • 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $211
  • Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $207
  • Andechs Monastery Beer Hike Food Experience Private Tour (departs Munich): $208
  • Architecture Tour & Photoshoot Through Centuries of Altstadt: $25
  • Art & Heritage: Private Walking Tour of Bavarian National Museum: $202
  • Augsburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252

Tours and Activities in La Rioja

For La Rioja, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Tour to 3 Wineries with Tastings: $805
  • Private Vineyards Tour in San Vicente de la Sonsierra: $93

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bavaria 23
    La Rioja -

Sample the Local Flavors in Bavaria

Also in Bavaria, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private mulled wine tour in Würzburg: $55
  • Romantic Road Day Trip from Würzburg to Rothenburg/Tauber incl. Wine tasting : $97
  • Garmisch Historical Pub Crawl: $141
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294

Sample the Local Flavors in La Rioja

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Rioja:

  • Private Wine Tasting in San Vicente de la Sonsierra: $60
  • Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour: $422


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bavaria and La Rioja, we can see that Bavaria is more expensive. And not only is La Rioja much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rioja would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rioja and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bavaria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bavaria than you might in La Rioja.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bavaria Expensive? and Is La Rioja Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Bavaria or La Rioja?

Bavaria has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of La Rioja. When comparing the sizes of Bavaria and La Rioja, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.