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

Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod or Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg?

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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg is $152. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nizhny Novgorod $20
    Heidelberg $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nizhny Novgorod $40
    Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Nizhny Novgorod and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Nizhny Novgorod or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg


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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.19
    Heidelberg $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Nizhny Novgorod or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

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

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.69
    Heidelberg $12

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

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

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nizhny Novgorod $2.35
    Heidelberg $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

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

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nizhny Novgorod and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nizhny Novgorod or Heidelberg?

Nizhny Novgorod has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Nizhny Novgorod and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Nizhny Novgorod or Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nizhny Novgorod is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In July, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nizhny Novgorod 20°C (68°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Nizhny Novgorod during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Heidelberg. Nizhny Novgorod gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Heidelberg. Furthermore, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

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

In January, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nizhny Novgorod 7°C (44°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -10°C (13°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -8°C (17°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 76 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec -7°C (19°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)