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

Should you visit Debrecen or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Debrecen or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb is $82. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Debrecen $33
    Zagreb $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Debrecen $66
    Zagreb $102
Compare Hotels in Debrecen and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Debrecen or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Debrecen $11
    Zagreb $9.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Debrecen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Debrecen:

  • Debrecen - Budapest Transfer: $167

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $6.92
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $27
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $32
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $40
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $41
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $43
  • Private Transfer: Zagreb to Zagreb International Airport (ZAG): $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City by Business Car: $45
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb Train or Bus Station to Zagreb City by car or van: $45
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Train or Bus Station by car or van: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Debrecen or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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
    Zagreb $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

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

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $73
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Zagreb Walking Food Tour - Sightseeing - Dolac market visit: $136
  • Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour: $136
  • Private Food Tour with Tastings: $172
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $947

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Debrecen $17
    Zagreb $13

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.26
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.32
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.45
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
  • Small-Group Walking Highlights Tour: $16
  • City Walking Tour w/ Funicular Ride and WW2 Tunnels: $19
  • Self-Guided Zagreb Tour; Sit & Meet - Meet the great Croats: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Debrecen $9.24
    Zagreb $9.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

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

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • TITO'S birthplace Ethno Village KUMROVEC + Wine tasting: $49
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $102
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $140
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $206
  • Plesivica Region Wine Tasting Half-day Tour : $271


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


Which is Bigger, Debrecen or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Debrecen. When comparing the sizes of Debrecen and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Debrecen and Zagreb. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Debrecen is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Debrecen average around 20°C (68°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Debrecen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Debrecen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during summer. Debrecen gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Debrecen gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Debrecen 20°C (68°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Debrecen as well as Zagreb. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Debrecen is cooler than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Debrecen averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Debrecen gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Debrecen usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Debrecen or Zagreb in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. It's quite cold in Debrecen in the winter. In the winter, Debrecen is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Debrecen in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Debrecen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during winter. Debrecen gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Debrecen -2°C (28°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Debrecen during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Debrecen is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Debrecen average around 11°C (52°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Debrecen gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Debrecen usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Debrecen gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Debrecen

Debrecen Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)