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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Pecs?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Heidelberg and Pecs. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Heidelberg or Pecs?

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.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Hungary, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Pecs or Heidelberg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Heidelberg is €142, 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 Heidelberg and Pecs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Pecs 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Pecs 70
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Pecs

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg


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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices and Pecs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Pecs 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pecs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pecs:

  • Pécs - Budapest Transfer: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Pecs?

Prices for flights to both Pecs and Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg 37
    Pecs 27

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

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.
    Heidelberg 11
    Pecs 16

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

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
    Heidelberg 17
    Pecs 7.78

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 Heidelberg and Pecs, we can see that Heidelberg 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 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 Pecs.

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


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Pecs?

Pecs has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Pecs?

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 Heidelberg or Pecs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Pecs. The summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Pecs in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Pecs fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pecs. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Pecs. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 302 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Pecs. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F) 
    Pecs 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Pecs in the Autumn?

Both Pecs and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

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

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Pecs. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Heidelberg or Pecs in the Winter?

Both Pecs and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Pecs. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 72 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in January than Pecs. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Heidelberg or Pecs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Pecs. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Pecs in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Pecs fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pecs. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Pecs 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pecs and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Pecs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)