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

Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod or Mainz?

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 Mainz 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 Mainz?

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.

Mainz

On the Rhine River, the ages of the medieval stand before you in their half-timbered constructions, giving this quaint, old town a hint of the spellbinding. A time capsule of Germany, Mainz is enriched by its vast history as well as its cosmopolitan air. Dating back to around 38 BC, Mainz was built by Romans and founded as the the episcopal seat of the influential Prince-Electors. With its history spanning more than 2,000 years, Mainz is rich in its exquisite architecture, such as its stunning cathedrals, medieval market squares, and Renaissance fountains. However, Mainz also has been blessed with the joys and comforts of modernization, giving way to fantastic shopping centers, tasty restaurants, and absolutely fascinating museums. A media hub and regional capital, Mainz is also known as the wine capital of Germany as its civilians have a long history of winegrowing throughout the city. Whether you seek to oogle at artifacts at the Gutenberg Museum or sit a spell at one of the town's fine eateries, the possibilities are endless in Mainz!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Nizhny Novgorod or Mainz?

Nizhny Novgorod has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Nizhny Novgorod and Mainz, 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 Mainz?

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 Mainz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Mainz. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

In July, Nizhny Novgorod is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 20°C (68°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives more rain than Mainz. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Mainz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Mainz. Additionally, many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Nizhny Novgorod gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mainz can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nizhny Novgorod. In the winter, Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in January average around -10°C (13°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In January, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Mainz. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Mainz in the Spring?

Both Mainz and Nizhny Novgorod during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nizhny Novgorod is generally much colder than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 7°C (44°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Nizhny Novgorod