A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Mainz vs. Dresden for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Mainz or Dresden?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Mainz and Dresden can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Mainz or Dresden?

Mainz

On the Rhine River, the ages of the medieval stand before you in their half-timbered constructions, giving this quaint, old town a hint of the spellbinding. A time capsule of Germany, Mainz is enriched by its vast history as well as its cosmopolitan air. Dating back to around 38 BC, Mainz was built by Romans and founded as the the episcopal seat of the influential Prince-Electors. With its history spanning more than 2,000 years, Mainz is rich in its exquisite architecture, such as its stunning cathedrals, medieval market squares, and Renaissance fountains. However, Mainz also has been blessed with the joys and comforts of modernization, giving way to fantastic shopping centers, tasty restaurants, and absolutely fascinating museums. A media hub and regional capital, Mainz is also known as the wine capital of Germany as its civilians have a long history of winegrowing throughout the city. Whether you seek to oogle at artifacts at the Gutenberg Museum or sit a spell at one of the town's fine eateries, the possibilities are endless in Mainz!

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.

Which city is cheaper, Dresden or Mainz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mainz is €113, while the average daily cost in Dresden is €107. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mainz and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz €60
    Dresden €48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz €120
    Dresden €96
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Dresden? 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 Mainz


Hotels in Dresden


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: Mainz Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz €29
    Dresden €8.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mainz

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

  • Private Departure Transfer: Mainz, Wiesbaden, Königstein to FRA Airport: $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Private transfer: Dresden to Dresden Airport (DRS): $73
  • Private transfer: Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $73
  • Private transfer from Dresden to Prague: $409
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $132
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 Sightseeing stops: $157
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague: $199
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $156
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Dresden to Dresden International Airport (DRS): $30
  • Private Airport Transfer: Dresden International Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $30
  • Departure Private Transfer Dresden to Dresden Airport DRS by Luxury Vehicle: $52
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dresden Airport DRS to Dresden by Luxury Vehicle: $52
  • 1-way Dresden to Prague - private transfer - Mercedes Benz - up to 8 passengers: $243

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Mainz 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
    Mainz €33
    Dresden €25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz €27
    Dresden €7.64

Tours and Activities in Mainz

For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • KD Rhine HoHo Cruise from Mainz: $42
  • Rhine River Hop On Hop Off Cruise on Castle Route: $42
  • E-Bike Mainz City Tour: $49
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $149
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Museum of Ancient Seafaring Mainz: $149
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $149
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $149
  • 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz: $149
  • Mainz Private Walking Tour: $190
  • Mainz Private Walking Tour: $195
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral: $199
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $199

Tours and Activities in Dresden

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

  • Art and Culture Tour in Dresden: $198
  • Böttger the Alchemist: 1-Hour Guided Tour in Dresden: $242
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $185
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $185
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $185
  • Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden: $23
  • Casanovas Tour: Baroque District Dresden With Wine: $32
  • Classical Dresden Walking Tour with German-Speaking Guide: $13
  • Discover the old city of Dresden on a private walking tour: $400
  • Dresden Group Tour with a Night Watchman: $283
  • Dresden Historic Walking Tour & Treasury Visiting: $440
  • Dresden Live-Guided Self-Drive Trabi Safari City XXL Tour 2h15min: $101

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz €17
    Dresden €13

Sample the Local Flavors in Mainz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mainz:

  • E-Bike Mainz Wine Tour / Wine Tasting: $86
  • Personal wine tours in the heart of Germany from Frankfurt region - Mainz: $299

Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden

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

  • Dresden on Food! Without wine tasting.: $50
  • Dresden on Food! With wine tasting. Small group tour: $62
  • Boat Cruise, Wine Tasting and Lunch Platter: $96
  • Adventure day boat trip, wine tasting & wine tasting: $101

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Mainz and Dresden, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Mainz or Dresden?

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 Mainz or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Mainz during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Temperatures in Mainz average around 19°C (66°F), and Dresden stays around 20°C (68°F).

Mainz usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dresden. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Dresden.

Mainz is around the same temperature as Dresden in the autumn. The temperature in Mainz is usually 11°C (51°F) in October, and Dresden stays around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Dresden.

The weather in Dresden can be very cold. Mainz can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mainz is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mainz in January are around 2°C (35°F), and Dresden is about 1°C (33°F).

Mainz usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Dresden stays around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Mainz

Mainz Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)


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Mainz vs. Dresden Travel Comparison

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