Should I Visit Munich or Frankfurt for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Munich or Frankfurt?

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

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

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.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial and business hub of Germany. It houses the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange, and often plays host to trade shows and business fairs. It has the country's most modern skyline and the largest airport. It is also a transportation hub for Germany with many important train lines passing through. The city itself is situated on the River Main. Some of the most important sights are along the river near Romer Square and include museums and monuments. This area pulls in millions of tourists every year. Although many sights are clustered in this area, it's important to head into more off the beaten path areas that can be enjoyable to explore. These areas offer glimpses into daily life in Frankfurt.

Which city is cheaper, Frankfurt or Munich?

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

Munich Prices
Germany Prices

Frankfurt Prices
Germany Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Munich €150

Frankfurt €122

The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €150, while the average daily cost in Frankfurt is €122. 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 Frankfurt in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Munich €91

Frankfurt €58
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Munich €182

Frankfurt €116

Compare Hotels in Munich and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Munich or Frankfurt? 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.

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.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Munich €19

Frankfurt €25

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:

Winter in European Alps: Private Scenic Transfers Munich ↔ Ski Resort: $256
Ultra - Munich Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Munich Airport MUC: $9.41
Transfer to Munich: $112
Transfer from Munich to Prague: Private sightseeing daytrip with two stops: $220
Transfer from Munich to Linz: Private sightseeing daytrip with 2 stops: $242
Transfer from Munich to Frankfurt: Private sightseeing daytrip with 2 stops: $285
Transfer from Munich to Berlin: Private sightseeing daytrip with 2 stops: $355
Transfer Munich ↔ Kaprun,Zell am See,Flachau,Stubai,Kitzbuhel,Innsbruck & Other: $256
Skiing in Alps: Private Sightseeing Routes from / to Munich Ski Resort Transfer: $256
Salzburg: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $302
Round Trip Munich Airport (MUC) Transfer to Munich City Center: $114
Private transfer from Munich to Vienna with 2-hour Sightseeing Stop in Hallstatt: $369

Typical Local Transportation prices in Frankfurt

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

Car Rental

€50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

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

Airport transfer first-class from Frankfurt to Heidelberg and its greater area: $361
Arrival Private Transfer from Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Luxury Car: $73
Arrival Private Transfer in Business Car from Frankfurt International Airport: $46
Arrival Private Transfer in Business Car from Frankfurt International Airport: $49
Departure Private Transfer from Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by Luxury Car: $73
Departure Private Transfer to Frankfurt International Airport by Business Car: $49
Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by Luxury Van: $57
Departure Private Transfers from Frankfurt City to Frankfurt Airport FRA: $86
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt - Arrival Private Car Transfer: $45
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt - Arrival Private Van Transfer: $29
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $90
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt - Round-Trip Private Van Transfer: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt 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

Frankfurt €41

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 Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

Soda

€2.00
Bagel Sandwich and Latte

€7.00
Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee

€6.00
Sandwich and Cola

€7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

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

Private Cooking Class in Eschborn, Frankfurt with a Local Christina: $62
Vietnamese Cooking Lesson with a Private Chef at Your Home in Frankfurt: $88

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Munich €29

Frankfurt €36

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:

24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Express Tour of Munich: $21
3-Day Prague Overnight Tour Including Round-Trip by Coach from Munich: $502
5-Day Munich to Stuttgart Overnight Tour by Coach: $518
6-Nght Independent Munich Rail Tour to Vienna via Salzburg: $844
7-Day Imperial Triangle Tour Rail Tour from Munich to Vienna and Prague: $901
Big Hat Tours: $286
Bodyflying: Indoor Skydiving Experience for 2 People: $136
Christmas Private Daytrip -Nuremberg to Munich & back with 4/6/8h of Sightseeing: $285
CityTourCard Public Transport & Discounts: $16
Dachau Concentration Camp Tour: $498
Dachau Memorial Site Tour: $51
EXCLUSiVE MUNiCH & Surroundings ALL-IN-ONE Culture, Nature and History Tour: $322

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt Private Tour: Old Town Wonders Exploration Game: $5.59
The Black Death Tour: $14
Frankfurt Scary Tour: $14
Eyes of Hell Fright Tour: $20
Jack the Ripper Fright Tour: $20
Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $20
1 Day Frankfurt Card Group Ticket 2020/2021: $29
Historic Center Walking Tour: $34
Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $34
2 Day Frankfurt Card Group Ticket 2020/2021: $41
Guided Bike Tour: $44
Frankfurt Sightseeing Tour "Frankfurt's Highlights": $45

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Munich €36

Frankfurt €30

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

Typical Alcohol prices in Frankfurt

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

Becks Beer

€2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

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

8-Day Bavarian Beer Culture and Brewery Tour in Franconia from Frankfurt: $2,359

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Munich and Frankfurt, we can see that Munich is more expensive. And not only is Frankfurt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Frankfurt would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Frankfurt 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 Munich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Munich than you might in Frankfurt.

When is the best time to visit Munich or Frankfurt?

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 Munich or Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Munich as well as Frankfurt. Most visitors come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Munich is around the same temperature as Frankfurt in the summer. The temperature in Munich is usually 20°C (68°F) in July, and Frankfurt stays around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Frankfurt. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Munich this time of the year. In the summer, Munich often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets more rain in July than Frankfurt. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Summer Average Temperatures July

Munich 20°C (68°F)

Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Munich or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Munich because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

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

Munich usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Munich usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Munich 11°C (52°F)

Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Munich or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Munich during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. It's quite cold in Munich in the winter. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Frankfurt. Temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Frankfurt stays around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Munich often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Frankfurt. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Winter Average Temperatures January

Munich -1°C (31°F)

Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Munich or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Frankfurt. Many travelers come to Munich for the activities around the city.

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

Munich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during spring. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Munich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Spring Average Temperatures April

Munich 11°C (53°F)

Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Munich

	Munich		Frankfurt
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	-1°C (31°F)	43 mm (1.7 in)	1°C (34°F)	44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb	3°C (37°F)	41 mm (1.6 in)	3°C (37°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar	6°C (43°F)	42 mm (1.7 in)	6°C (43°F)	51 mm (2 in)
Apr	11°C (53°F)	48 mm (1.9 in)	10°C (50°F)	52 mm (2 in)
May	15°C (60°F)	66 mm (2.6 in)	14°C (58°F)	61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun	19°C (65°F)	88 mm (3.5 in)	17°C (63°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul	20°C (68°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)	19°C (67°F)	63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug	20°C (68°F)	78 mm (3.1 in)	19°C (66°F)	65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep	17°C (62°F)	60 mm (2.3 in)	16°C (60°F)	48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct	11°C (52°F)	45 mm (1.8 in)	11°C (51°F)	51 mm (2 in)
Nov	6°C (42°F)	52 mm (2.1 in)	5°C (42°F)	59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec	1°C (33°F)	49 mm (1.9 in)	2°C (36°F)	54 mm (2.1 in)

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