A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nizhny Novgorod vs. Cologne for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod or Cologne?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nizhny Novgorod and Cologne 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: Nizhny Novgorod or Cologne?

Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod, commonly referred to as simply Nizhny, is the fifth largest city in Russia. It has a population of over 1.2 million and it is the primary economic and cultural center for the Volga region. The city dates back to 1221 and it sits at the intersection of the Volga and Oka Rivers. It became popular with tourists back in 1817 when the Makaryev Monastery Fair was moved to the city. The city continued to grow in popularity and by the middle of the 19th century it was a major trade center for the country. During the Soviet Union times the city became an industrial center as trade connections were abandoned.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Cologne or Nizhny Novgorod?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nizhny Novgorod is $30, while the average daily cost in Cologne is $172. 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 Nizhny Novgorod and Cologne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nizhny Novgorod $20
    Cologne $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nizhny Novgorod $40
    Cologne $194
Compare Hotels in Nizhny Novgorod and Cologne

Looking for a hotel in Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod


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: Cologne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.19
    Cologne $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
  • Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
  • Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Nizhny Novgorod or Cologne?

Prices for flights to both Cologne and Nizhny Novgorod 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
    Nizhny Novgorod $9.51
    Cologne $54

Typical Food Prices in Cologne

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


  • Dinner
    $15
  • Donner Kebab
    $4.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

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

  • Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $481

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.69
    Cologne $22

Tours and Activities in Cologne

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

  • 120min - Cologne City Tour: $158
  • 3-Hour Cologne Street Art Bike Tour in Small Group with Guide: $44
  • 3-Hour Murder Mystery Interactive City Walking Tour in Köln: $75
  • 5 Hours Cologne to Aachen Train Tour in Germany: $63
  • Aachen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $231
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
  • Aachen old town tour - GERMAN (public): $13
  • Amusing Stories of Cologne Walking Tour: $13
  • Awesome Sites of Cologne – Private Family Walking Tour: $395
  • Beethoven and Bonn Highlights Tour from Cologne by Car: $840
  • Best of Cologne in 1-Day Private Guided Tour with Transport: $438

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nizhny Novgorod $2.35
    Cologne $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne

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

  • Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
  • Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $18
  • Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $18
  • Guided tour of the old town with a visit to the brewery in Cologne: $19
  • Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
  • South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
  • Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
  • Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $29
  • Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $32
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nizhny Novgorod or Cologne?

Nizhny Novgorod has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Cologne. When comparing the sizes of Nizhny Novgorod and Cologne, 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 Nizhny Novgorod or Cologne?

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 Nizhny Novgorod or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Cologne. Additionally, many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nizhny Novgorod is around the same temperature as Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cologne. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nizhny Novgorod is generally much colder than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 5°C (41°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives more rain than Cologne. Nizhny Novgorod gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nizhny Novgorod 5°C (41°F) 
    Cologne 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Nizhny Novgorod during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cologne can be very cold. Nizhny Novgorod can be very cold during winter. Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around -10°C (13°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nizhny Novgorod -10°C (13°F) 
    Cologne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Cologne. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

In the spring, Nizhny Novgorod is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Cologne. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nizhny Novgorod 7°C (44°F) 
    Cologne 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cologne and Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod Cologne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -10°C (13°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -8°C (17°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec -7°C (19°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)