A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Munich vs. Cologne for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Munich or Cologne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Cologne, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Munich or Cologne?

Munich

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and a top travel destination within Germany. It has stunning architecture and a cultural scene that rivals Berlin. It has some of the country's top museums, festivals, and concerts. Munich is most famous for its Oktoberfest, which is easily the busiest time of year in the city. The architecture is what surprises most travelers. It's quite impressive and truly adds to the character of the city. Although much of Munich was destroyed during World War II, the city has successfully rebuilt most of the buildings in their previous style. Much of the city remains as it was in the 1800s. There are two major research universities in Munich, helping to make it a center for engineering, business, and the sciences.

Cologne

Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

Which city is cheaper, Cologne or Munich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €116, while the average daily cost in Cologne is €126. 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 Munich and Cologne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Munich €69
    Cologne €70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Munich €138
    Cologne €140
Compare Hotels in Munich and Cologne

Looking for a hotel in Munich or Cologne? 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 Munich


Hotels in Cologne


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: Munich Hotel Prices and Cologne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Munich €15
    Cologne €15
Typical Local Transportation prices in Munich

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


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    €2.30
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    €5.20
  • City transport day ticket
    €11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • EXCLUSiVE OKTOBERFEST & Munich Sightseeing in Comfort Minivan + extra Transfer: $429
  • Ellmau: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $347
  • Exclusive Private Ski Course with success guarantee & Transfer to ski area from Munich: $496
  • From Munich to Frankfurt Airport - Private transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $344
  • Garmisch: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $377
  • Graz: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $53
  • Innsbruck: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $483
  • Kitzbuhel: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $422
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Friedrichshafen Airport to Munich City - One Way: $452
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Memmingen Allgau Airport to Munich City - One Way: $341
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Salzburg Airport to Munich City - One Way: $322
  • Munich - Budapest Transfer: $523

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport CGN to Cologne City - Business Car: $73
  • Arrival Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City by Luxury Van: $87
  • Private Transfer to/from Cologne Airport (CGN): $70
  • Departure Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport CGN to Cologne by Business Car: $73
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $69
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Düsseldorf International Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $201
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Eindhoven Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $243
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Frankfurt am Main International Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $540
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Mönchengladbach Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $192
  • Luxury Car Arrival Transfer: Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City: $98
  • Luxury Car Private Departure Transfer: Cologne city to Cologne-Bonn Airport: $98
  • Luxury Van Private Departure Transfer: Cologne-Bonn Airport: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Cologne?

Prices for flights to both Cologne and Munich 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
    Munich €22
    Cologne €40
Typical Food prices in Munich

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


  • Bratwurst
    €5.00
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    €1.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

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

  • Viktualienmarkt 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour: Munich: $40
  • 3-Hour Food Tour Through Haidhausen: $44
  • Munich Traditional Bavarian Culture, Beer And Food Tour Including Traditional Bavarian Dress: $200

Typical Food prices in Cologne

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


  • Dinner
    €14
  • Donner Kebab
    €4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

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

  • Traveling Spoon French Quiche Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Private Gourmet Cooking Class in the Heart of Cologne: $129
  • Private Market Tour and Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking Class in the Heart of Cologne: $183

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Munich €23
    Cologne €16
Typical Entertainment prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    €4.00
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    €9.00
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    €14
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    €24

Tours and Activities in Munich

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

  • Haunted City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.64
  • Old Town Walking Tour in Spanish: $16
  • CityTourCard Public Transport & Discounts: $16
  • SEA LIFE Munich Admission Ticket: $18
  • Day Ticket to Sea Life: $21
  • Nymphenburg Palace/Munich Residenz Guided Tour: $21
  • Crypts, Roof Terraces, & Hidden Things Walking Tour: $21
  • 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Express Tour of Munich: $21
  • Spooky Theatrical Performances and Old Town Tour: $32
  • Munich Card (Group) with public transport: Save at attractions & tours!: $33
  • Mysterious Old Town Theatrical Tour: $33
  • City Tour & FC Bayern Munich Soccer Arena Tour: $34

Tours and Activities in Cologne

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

  • English guided tour (other languages offered): $6.22
  • 1-hour Rhine River Panorama Cruise: $12
  • Entertaining History Tour: $12
  • Tour in German - West to East from Rudolfplatz: $12
  • Tour of Germany's Oldest Metropolis (in German): $14
  • Historical Crime Tour in German: $14
  • Guided Tour of the Melaten Cemetery: $14
  • Guided Highlights Tour with a Local: $14
  • Melaten Cemetery Tour in German: $14
  • 2000 Years of Sex & Crime City Tour (in German): $14
  • 90-Minute Tour in German from Cathedral to Old Town: $15
  • Cologne Sightseeing round-trip Cruise: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Munich €29
    Cologne €18
Typical Alcohol prices in Munich

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


  • Hofbrauhaus
    €12

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

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

  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $28

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Munich and Cologne, we can see that Cologne 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 Munich or Cologne?

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 Munich or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Munich in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Munich is around the same temperature as Cologne in the summer. The temperature in Munich is usually 20°C (68°F) in July, and Cologne stays around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. Munich usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Munich 20°C (68°F) 
    Cologne 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Munich or Cologne in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Munich is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October are around 11°C (52°F), and Cologne is about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Munich often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in October than Cologne. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Munich 11°C (52°F) 
    Cologne 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Munich or Cologne in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. The weather in Munich can be very cold. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Cologne. Temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Cologne stays around 3°C (37°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Cologne. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Munich -1°C (31°F) 
    Cologne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Munich or Cologne in the Spring?

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

Munich is a little warmer than Cologne in the spring. The temperature in Munich is usually 11°C (53°F) in April, and Cologne stays around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Munich often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in April than Cologne. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Munich 11°C (53°F) 
    Cologne 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cologne and Munich

Munich Cologne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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Munich vs. Cologne Travel Comparison

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