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

Should you visit Debrecen or Kiel?

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

Should I visit Debrecen or Kiel? 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 Kiel?

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.

Kiel

Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel or Debrecen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Debrecen is $66, while the average daily cost in Kiel is $148. 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 Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Debrecen $33
    Kiel $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Debrecen $66
    Kiel $144
Compare Hotels in Debrecen and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Debrecen or Kiel? 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 Debrecen


Hotels in Kiel


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 Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Debrecen $11
    Kiel $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Debrecen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Debrecen:

  • Debrecen - Budapest Transfer: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645

Is it cheaper to fly into Debrecen or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel 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 day
    Debrecen $23
    Kiel $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Debrecen $17
    Kiel $20

Tours and Activities in Kiel

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

  • Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Debrecen $9.24
    Kiel $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Debrecen and Kiel, we can see that Kiel 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 Kiel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kiel 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 Kiel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Debrecen or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Debrecen. When comparing the sizes of Debrecen and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Debrecen or Kiel in the Summer?

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

In July, Debrecen is generally a little warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Debrecen average around 20°C (68°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kiel this time of the year. In Debrecen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Debrecen usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during summer. Debrecen gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Kiel. Debrecen gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Debrecen 20°C (68°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Kiel in the Autumn?

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

Debrecen is a little warmer than Kiel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Debrecen averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Debrecen gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Debrecen usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Kiel in the Winter?

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

Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Debrecen. In the winter, Debrecen is much colder than Kiel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Debrecen in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Kiel averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Debrecen usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Debrecen gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Kiel. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Debrecen -2°C (28°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Debrecen during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Debrecen is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Debrecen average around 11°C (52°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Debrecen gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Debrecen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kiel. Debrecen gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Debrecen

Debrecen Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)