Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Debrecen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Debrecen or Heidelberg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Debrecen or Heidelberg? 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: Debrecen or Heidelberg?
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.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Hungary, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Hungary, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDebrecen $66Heidelberg $152
The average daily cost (per person) in Debrecen is $66, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is $152. 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 Debrecen and Heidelberg in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDebrecen $33Heidelberg $99
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDebrecen $66Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Debrecen and Heidelberg
Looking for a hotel in Debrecen or Heidelberg? 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.
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: Debrecen Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Debrecen $11Heidelberg $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Debrecen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Debrecen:
- Debrecen - Budapest Transfer: $168
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg
Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
- Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
- Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
- Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
- One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
Is it cheaper to fly into Debrecen or Heidelberg?
Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Debrecen 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 dayDebrecen $23Heidelberg $40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg
For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
- Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Debrecen $17Heidelberg $12
Tours and Activities in Heidelberg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.54
- Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
- Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.54
- Uncover A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Time: $11
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDebrecen $9.24Heidelberg $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:
- Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Debrecen and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg 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 Debrecen Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Debrecen or Heidelberg?
Debrecen has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Debrecen and Heidelberg, 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 Debrecen or Heidelberg?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Debrecen or Heidelberg in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Debrecen as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.
Debrecen is around the same temperature as Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Debrecen averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Debrecen this time of the year. In the summer, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Debrecen gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.
Debrecen usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Debrecen gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDebrecen 20°C (68°F)Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Debrecen or Heidelberg in the Autumn?
Both Heidelberg and Debrecen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.
In the autumn, Debrecen is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Debrecen in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Debrecen usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Debrecen gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDebrecen 11°C (52°F)Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Debrecen or Heidelberg in the Winter?
Both Heidelberg and Debrecen during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. It's quite cold in Debrecen in the winter. In January, Debrecen is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Debrecen average around -2°C (28°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Debrecen gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.
Debrecen usually gets less rain in January than Heidelberg. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDebrecen -2°C (28°F)Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Debrecen or Heidelberg in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Debrecen and Heidelberg. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.
Debrecen is around the same temperature as Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Debrecen averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Debrecen usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during spring. Debrecen gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Debrecen gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDebrecen 11°C (52°F)Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Debrecen
| Debrecen | Heidelberg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.