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

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Should you visit Munich or Dresden?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Dresden, 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 Dresden?

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.

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 Munich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €150, while the average daily cost in Dresden is €135. 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 Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Munich €91
    Dresden €61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Munich €182
    Dresden €122
Compare Hotels in Munich and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Munich 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 Munich


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: Munich Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Munich €19
    Dresden €11
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 Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden 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 €27
    Dresden €31
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Munich €29
    Dresden €9.56
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 Dresden

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

  • Dresden's 'Balcony of Europe': An audio tour along the River Elbe: $5.00
  • Classical Dresden Walking Tour with German-Speaking Guide: $13
  • Dresden Old Town Walking Tour with a German-Speaking Guide: $13
  • Zwinger Guided Tour: $14
  • Tickets Dresden Transport Museum: $14
  • The Original Night Watchman Tour in Lantern Light: $14
  • Panometer Dresden Entrance Ticket: $15
  • Semperoper Tickets and 45-Minute Guided Tour: $15
  • 1719 Baroque Era Virtual-Reality Experience: $15
  • Dresden Walking Tour of the Historic Old Town with English Speaking Guide: $15
  • Discover the City Sights Walking Tour: $16
  • Theatrical Poison, Ghosts, and Demons Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Munich €36
    Dresden €16
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

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 Munich and Dresden, we can see that Munich 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 Dresden?

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 Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden 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 Dresden in the summer. The temperature in Munich is usually 20°C (68°F) in July, and Dresden stays around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Dresden. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Munich 20°C (68°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Munich or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden 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 around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October are around 11°C (52°F), and Dresden is about 11°C (51°F).

Munich usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dresden. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Munich 11°C (52°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Munich or Dresden in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. The weather in Munich can be very cold. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Dresden. Temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Dresden stays around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Munich usually receives more rain than Dresden. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Munich -1°C (31°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Munich or Dresden in the Spring?

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

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

Munich usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Dresden and Munich

Munich Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)


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Munich vs. Dresden Travel Comparison

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