A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nizhny Novgorod vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park is $133. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nizhny Novgorod $20
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nizhny Novgorod $40
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Nizhny Novgorod and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nizhny Novgorod or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.19
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Nizhny Novgorod or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.69
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $76
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $174
  • E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $87
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Full Day Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes from Split & Trogir: $738
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • PLITVICE LAKES FULL DAY TOUR WITH LOCAL: $182
  • Plitvice Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $76
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nizhny Novgorod $2.35
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $15


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



When is the best time to visit Nizhny Novgorod or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nizhny Novgorod is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 20°C (68°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nizhny Novgorod 20°C (68°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Nizhny Novgorod during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Nizhny Novgorod gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nizhny Novgorod 5°C (41°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The weather in Nizhny Novgorod can be very cold. In the winter, Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in January average around -10°C (13°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In January, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nizhny Novgorod -10°C (13°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty.

In April, Nizhny Novgorod is generally much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 7°C (44°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nizhny Novgorod 7°C (44°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -10°C (13°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -8°C (17°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -7°C (19°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)