A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Debrecen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bucharest or Debrecen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Debrecen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Bucharest or Debrecen?

Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.

Debrecen

Finding its beginning as a collection of agricultural villages, Debrecen has grown to become the second largest city in Hungary as well as the regional center for the Northern Great Plain region. Highlights include the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen, Hortobagy National Park, Deri Museum, and the Debrecen Zoo and Botanical Garden.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Tours for Seniors to Hungary, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Debrecen or Bucharest?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $140, while the average daily cost in Debrecen is $68. 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 Bucharest and Debrecen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $64
    Debrecen $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $128
    Debrecen $68
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Debrecen

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Debrecen? 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 Bucharest


Hotels in Debrecen


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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Debrecen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Debrecen $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Bucuresti: Transfer Therme Bucuresti different hours: $12
  • Airport Transfer: $15
  • Bucharest Transfer Service: $17
  • Airport Transfer - Bucharest Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport : $18
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tecuci: $22
  • Private Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) Transfer: $22
  • Bucharest Private Airport Transfer from or to City Center Hotel: $22
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Barlad: $24
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Vaslui OMV: $26
  • Bucharest Otopeni Airport OTP to Bucharest City Center Hotel - private transfer: $28
  • Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $30
  • Daimler Exclusive Trips And Transfers: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Debrecen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Debrecen:

  • Debrecen - Budapest Transfer: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Debrecen?

Prices for flights to both Debrecen and Bucharest 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
    Bucharest $59
    Debrecen $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

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

  • Dinner and tour inside the Museum of Communism: $51
  • Dinner inside the Museum of Communism & private tour: $54
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $61
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $67
  • Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $72
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $75
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $86
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $88
  • Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $110
  • Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $143
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $206

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Debrecen $17

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bucharest Old Town Secrets Quest Experience: $4.87
  • Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $5.43
  • Quest Experience in Bellu Cemetery Bucharest: $6.09
  • Old Town Secrets Quest Experience: $7.06
  • Ghost Hunt Quest Experience: $7.06
  • Entry ticket at the Museum of Communism: $8.82
  • Museum of Communism Ticket + Communist Coffee: $9.79
  • Walking tour- The Kings and the palaces from Bucharest: $11
  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $11
  • Walking night tour through Bucharest: $13
  • Walking Tour - Delightful Bucharest (Old Town & Victory Avenue): $14
  • Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.33
    Debrecen $9.42

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

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

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $38
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $48
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience: $49
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $52
  • Bucharest Guided Pub Crawl: $53
  • Guided Pub Crawl in Bucharest: $57
  • Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $58
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $60
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $61
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $65


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Debrecen?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Debrecen. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Debrecen, 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 Bucharest or Debrecen?

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 Bucharest or Debrecen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Debrecen. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

In the summer, Bucharest is a little warmer than Debrecen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Debrecen averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Debrecen this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Debrecen during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Debrecen receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Debrecen. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Debrecen 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Debrecen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Debrecen. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Debrecen. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Debrecen fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Debrecen. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Debrecen receives 160 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Debrecen. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Debrecen in the Winter?

Both Debrecen and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Debrecen can be very cold during winter. Bucharest can get quite cold in the winter. Bucharest is a little warmer than Debrecen in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Debrecen fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Debrecen during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Debrecen receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Debrecen. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Debrecen -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Debrecen in the Spring?

Both Debrecen and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Debrecen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Debrecen averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Debrecen. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Debrecen receives 191 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Debrecen. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Debrecen and Bucharest

Bucharest Debrecen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 0°C (32°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)