A Travel Price Comparison for Slovenia Maribor vs. Ljubljana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Maribor or Ljubljana?

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 Maribor and Ljubljana. 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: Maribor or Ljubljana?

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

Ljubljana

Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia, The Best Bicycle Tours in Slovenia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Maribor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Maribor is €76, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is €86. 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 Maribor and Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Maribor 44
    Ljubljana 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Maribor 88
    Ljubljana 108
Compare Hotels in Maribor and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Maribor or Ljubljana? 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 Maribor


Hotels in Ljubljana


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: Maribor Hotel Prices and Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Maribor 8.73
    Ljubljana 21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Maribor

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Maribor:


  • Gondola (for 2)
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maribor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maribor:

  • Private Transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $252
  • Private transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana city: $250

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

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

  • Departure Private Transfer Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport by Business Car: $66
  • E-bike experience between vineyards of Goriška Brda - transfer from Ljubljana: $148
  • Ljubljana Airport Private Transfer : $104
  • Ljubljana Airport to Moravske Toplice-Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Ljubljana to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer.Price per car.: $63
  • Ljubljana-Zagreb. Private transfer.Price per car: $216
  • Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $13
  • Guided Truffle Hunting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $374
  • Private Transfer from Brnik Airport to Ljubljana Centre: $28
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana: $524
  • Private Transfer from Celje to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $214

Is it cheaper to fly into Maribor or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana and Maribor 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
    Maribor 26
    Ljubljana 17
Typical Food Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Maribor:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    24
  • Gostilnica Navogalu Cafe Lunch
    7.50

Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $64
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $64
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $66
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
  • Dinner in the Dark: $86
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
  • Dinner in the Dark: $106
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $128
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Maribor 8.57
    Ljubljana 14

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $6.31
  • Ljubljana City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Ljubljana:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • From Swamp to State: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Ljubljana: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $13
  • Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $13
  • House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Virtual Reality Gaming Experience Ljubljana: $17
  • Tour of the Festive Decorations: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Maribor 11
    Ljubljana 11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Maribor:


  • Bottle of Wine
    12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Craft brewery tour and beer tasting, Tour the Brew, Tekotnik : $28
  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $83
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $93
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $97
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $191
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $217
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $261
  • Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting In Istria (private V.i.p. Tour): $263


When comparing the travel costs between Maribor and Ljubljana, we can see that Ljubljana 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.

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


Which is Bigger, Maribor or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Maribor and Ljubljana, 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 Maribor or Ljubljana?

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 Maribor or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Maribor during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Maribor is around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Maribor in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Maribor. In the summer, Maribor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Maribor gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Maribor usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Maribor gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Maribor 22°C (72°F) 
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Maribor or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Maribor and Ljubljana. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Maribor is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Maribor average around 13°C (55°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Maribor usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Maribor gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Maribor usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Maribor gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Maribor 13°C (55°F) 
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Maribor or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Maribor as well as Ljubljana. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. The weather in Maribor can be very cold. Maribor is a little warmer than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Maribor averages around 1°C (35°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Maribor often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Maribor gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Maribor usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Maribor gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Maribor 1°C (35°F) 
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Maribor or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Maribor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Maribor is around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Maribor in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Maribor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during spring. Maribor gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In April, Maribor usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Maribor gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Maribor 13°C (55°F) 
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Maribor

Maribor Ljubljana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in) 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in)