A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cologne vs. Mostar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cologne or Mostar?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Mostar? 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: Cologne or Mostar?

Cologne

Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Cologne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €161, while the average daily cost in Mostar is €65. 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 Cologne and Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cologne 91
    Mostar 34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cologne 182
    Mostar 68
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Cologne or Mostar? 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 Cologne


Hotels in Mostar


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: Cologne Hotel Prices and Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cologne 19
    Mostar 8.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
  • Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

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


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $267
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
  • Split to Dubrovnik via Mostar Private Transfer: $524
  • Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
  • Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Cologne or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar and Cologne 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
    Cologne 50
    Mostar 24
Typical Food Prices in Cologne

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


  • Dinner
    14
  • Donner Kebab
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

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

  • Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $481

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

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

  • Mostar street food tour: $57
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
  • Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cologne 20
    Mostar 8.78

Tours and Activities in Cologne

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

  • Cologne Walking Tour: The essential and unmissable one: $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Original funky-fun Free Tour of Cologne: $3.21
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Sightseeing Tour: $5.88
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • Horrors of World War II Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.48
  • Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63

Tours and Activities in Mostar

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

  • Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket: $5.94
  • Walking tour in Old Town Mostar: $18
  • Walking Tour in Old Town Mostar: $20
  • Mostar city Tour: $22
  • Mostar Walking Tour: Orient in the West: $22
  • Mostar in War: Historical Walking Tour: $22
  • Street Art Guided Tour in Mostar: $22
  • Mostar Private Walking Tour - where East meets West: $32
  • Mostar Shelters tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Ottoman Experience Tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Death of Yugoslavia Tour in Mostar: $38
  • Private Half-Day Oriental Tour of Mostar with Food Tasting: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cologne 23
    Mostar 3.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:

  • Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
  • Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $18
  • Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $18
  • Guided tour of the old town with a visit to the brewery in Cologne: $19
  • Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
  • South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
  • Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
  • Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $29
  • Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $32
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

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


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:

  • 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cologne or Mostar?

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

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 Cologne or Mostar in the Summer?

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

Cologne is cooler than Mostar in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Mostar fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mostar this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Mostar. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cologne 19°C (66°F) 
    Mostar 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Mostar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Mostar. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cologne is cooler than Mostar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Mostar averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mostar. Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Mostar. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cologne 12°C (54°F) 
    Mostar 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Mostar in the Winter?

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

Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cologne is generally much colder than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mostar. In January, Cologne usually receives less rain than Mostar. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cologne 3°C (37°F) 
    Mostar 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Mostar in the Spring?

Both Mostar and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Cologne is cooler than Mostar in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Mostar fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun.

Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cologne usually gets less rain in April than Mostar. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cologne 10°C (50°F) 
    Mostar 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Mostar and Cologne

Cologne Mostar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)