Which city is cheaper, Mainz or Potsdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Potsdam vs. Mainz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Potsdam or Mainz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Potsdam and Mainz can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Potsdam or Mainz?
Potsdam
Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!
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!
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPotsdam €89Mainz €113
The average daily cost (per person) in Potsdam is €89, while the average daily cost in Mainz is €113. 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 Potsdam and Mainz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPotsdam €48Mainz €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPotsdam €96Mainz €120
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Mainz
Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Mainz? 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: Potsdam Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Potsdam €22Mainz €29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:
- Round Trip Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) Transfer to Potsdam City Center: $114
- Round Trip Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) Transfer to Potsdam City Center: $146
- Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $182
- Private Business Transfer from Hotel in Potsdam to Schönefeld Airport (SXF): $70
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Berlin-Schönefeld International Airport to Potsdam City - One Way: $108
- Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $198
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Potsdam Private Transfer: $172
- Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $198
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mainz
Also for Mainz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer: Mainz, Wiesbaden, Königstein to FRA Airport: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Mainz?
Prices for flights to both Mainz and Potsdam 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
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Food Meals for one dayPotsdam €25Mainz €33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Potsdam €20Mainz €27
Tours and Activities in Potsdam
Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Berlin: Berlin Wall and the Cold War Walking Tour: $270
- Berlin: Private Sightseeing Tour in Iconic Oldtimer VW Bus: $334
- Berlin: Private Tour with Locals – Highlights & Hidden Gems: $69
- Berlin: Red Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus with Boat Option: $27
- Berlin: Sightseeing Tour in a Mini Hotrod: $87
- City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $26
- Guided tour “Love stories of Potsdam”: $496
- Potsdam Private Walking Tour: $184
- Potsdam and Palace Cecilienhof Walking Tour: $383
- Potsdam and Palace Cecilienhof Walking Tour: $383
- Potsdam, City of Kings: Private Walking Tour: $264
Tours and Activities in Mainz
For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- KD Rhine HoHo Cruise from Mainz: $42
- Rhine River Hop On Hop Off Cruise on Castle Route: $42
- E-Bike Mainz City Tour: $49
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $149
- 1 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Museum of Ancient Seafaring Mainz: $149
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $149
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $149
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz: $149
- Mainz Private Walking Tour: $190
- Mainz Private Walking Tour: $195
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral: $199
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPotsdam €5.36Mainz €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Mainz
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mainz:
- E-Bike Mainz Wine Tour / Wine Tasting: $86
- Personal wine tours in the heart of Germany from Frankfurt region - Mainz: $299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Potsdam and Mainz, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam 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 Potsdam.
When is the best time to visit Potsdam or Mainz?
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 Potsdam or Mainz in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Mainz.
In July, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Temperatures in Potsdam average around 19°C (66°F), and Mainz stays around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In the summer, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.
Potsdam usually gets less rain in July than Mainz. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPotsdam 19°C (66°F)Mainz 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Mainz in the Autumn?
Both Mainz and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Potsdam is around the same temperature as Mainz in the autumn. The temperature in Potsdam is usually 10°C (51°F) in October, and Mainz stays around 11°C (51°F).
Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Mainz. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPotsdam 10°C (51°F)Mainz 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Mainz in the Winter?
Both Mainz and Potsdam during the winter are popular places to visit.
The weather in Mainz can be very cold. Potsdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Potsdam is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January are around -0°C (31°F), and Mainz is about 2°C (35°F).
In the winter, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.
Potsdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mainz. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPotsdam -0°C (31°F)Mainz 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Mainz in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Mainz.
In April, Potsdam is generally cooler than Mainz. Temperatures in Potsdam average around 9°C (48°F), and Mainz stays around 11°C (51°F).
Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Mainz. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPotsdam 9°C (48°F)Mainz 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Mainz and Potsdam
| Potsdam | Mainz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (65°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
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