A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Maribor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bern or Maribor?

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

Should I visit Bern or Maribor? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bern or Maribor?

Bern

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Maribor or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $249, while the average daily cost in Maribor is $81. 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 Bern and Maribor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Maribor $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Maribor $94
Compare Hotels in Bern and Maribor

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Maribor? 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 Bern


Hotels in Maribor


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bern Hotel Prices and Maribor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Maribor $9.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Maribor

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Maribor:


  • Gondola (for 2)
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maribor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maribor:

  • Private transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana city: $250
  • Private Transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Maribor?

Prices for flights to both Maribor and Bern 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
    Bern $60
    Maribor $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Typical Food Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Maribor:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $26
  • Gostilnica Navogalu Cafe Lunch
    $8.04

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Maribor $9.18

Tours and Activities in Bern

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Maribor $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Maribor:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Maribor, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Maribor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maribor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maribor 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Maribor.

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Maribor?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Maribor, 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.


When is the best time to visit Bern or Maribor?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bern or Maribor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Maribor. Most visitors come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bern is generally around the same temperature as Maribor. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maribor this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Maribor. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Maribor 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Bern or Maribor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Maribor. The autumn months attract visitors to Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is around the same temperature as Maribor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in October than Maribor. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Bern or Maribor in the Winter?

Both Maribor and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Maribor. It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. In the winter, Bern is much warmer than Maribor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Maribor averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Maribor. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Maribor 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Bern or Maribor in the Spring?

Both Maribor and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty.

In April, Bern is generally cooler than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in April than Maribor. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Maribor and Bern

Bern Maribor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)