A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dresden vs. Sopron for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dresden or Sopron?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Sopron? 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: Dresden or Sopron?

Dresden

As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.

Sopron

Sopron is a city in northwestern Hungary, located right on the Austrian border at the foot of the Alps near Lake Neusiedl.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Budget Tours to Hungary, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Sopron or Dresden?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dresden is €135, while the average daily cost in Sopron is €61. 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 Dresden and Sopron in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dresden 61
    Sopron 27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dresden 122
    Sopron 54
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Sopron

Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Sopron? 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 Dresden


Hotels in Sopron


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: Dresden Hotel Prices and Sopron Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dresden 11
    Sopron 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Sopron?

Prices for flights to both Sopron and Dresden 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
    Dresden 31
    Sopron 22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden

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

  • Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
  • Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dresden 9.56
    Sopron 5.17

Tours and Activities in Dresden

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
  • Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62

Tours and Activities in Sopron

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

  • Romantic tour in Sopron for couples: $98
  • The best of Sopron walking tour: $163
  • Romantic tour in Sopron for couples: $191
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $191
  • Special Magical Christmas tour around Sopron: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dresden 16
    Sopron 5.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden

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

  • Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
  • Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dresden or Sopron?

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

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 Dresden or Sopron in the Summer?

Both Sopron and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dresden in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dresden is generally cooler than Sopron. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Sopron fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sopron. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sopron receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dresden 20°C (68°F) 
    Sopron 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Sopron in the Autumn?

Both Sopron and Dresden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Dresden is cooler than Sopron in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Sopron fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in October than Sopron. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sopron receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dresden 11°C (51°F) 
    Sopron 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Sopron in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Sopron. The winter months attract visitors to Dresden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Sopron in the winter. The weather in Dresden can be very cold. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Sopron. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Sopron averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sopron. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sopron receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dresden 1°C (33°F) 
    Sopron 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Sopron in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Sopron. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In April, Dresden is generally cooler than Sopron. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Sopron fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sopron. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sopron receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dresden 10°C (50°F) 
    Sopron 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Sopron and Dresden

Dresden Sopron
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)