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

Should you visit Cologne or Pecs?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Pecs? 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 Pecs?

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.

Pecs

Located in southwest Hungary, Pecs is a pleasant university town with a history that dates back to Roman times - a history evident in its ancient architecture. Some of the most sought after sites include the Early Christian Necropolis, the Mosque of Pasha Quasim, and the Cathedral of Pecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Hungary, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Pecs 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 Pecs is €75. 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 Pecs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cologne 91
    Pecs 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cologne 182
    Pecs 70
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Pecs

Looking for a hotel in Cologne or Pecs? 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 Pecs


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 Pecs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cologne 19
    Pecs 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pecs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pecs:

  • Pécs - Budapest Transfer: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Cologne or Pecs?

Prices for flights to both Pecs 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
    Pecs 27
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 Pecs

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


  • Dinner for Two
    23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cologne 20
    Pecs 16

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 Pecs

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

  • Mineral Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cologne 23
    Pecs 7.78

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cologne and Pecs, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Pecs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pecs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pecs 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 Pecs.

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


Which is Bigger, Cologne or Pecs?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pecs. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Pecs, 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 Pecs?

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 Pecs in the Summer?

Both Pecs and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cologne is cooler than Pecs in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Pecs fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Pecs. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Pecs. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cologne 19°C (66°F) 
    Pecs 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Pecs in the Autumn?

Both Pecs and Cologne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cologne is around the same temperature as Pecs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Pecs averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Pecs. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 169 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in October than Pecs. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cologne 12°C (54°F) 
    Pecs 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Pecs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Pecs. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pecs. It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. In January, Cologne is generally much warmer than Pecs. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Pecs fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives more rain than Pecs. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cologne 3°C (37°F) 
    Pecs 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Pecs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Pecs. Many travelers come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Cologne is cooler than Pecs in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Pecs fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Pecs. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 187 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Pecs. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cologne 10°C (50°F) 
    Pecs 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pecs and Cologne

Cologne Pecs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)