Which place is cheaper, Belgrade or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Riga or Belgrade?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Belgrade? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Riga or Belgrade?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital city of the Republic of Serbia. Dating back to the 4th Century BC, is has seen many changes from Celtic tribes at its earliest beginnings to Roman rule, the Ottoman Empire, and Serbian independence. Relics of its past can be seen today in Belgrade's architecture and museums, while there are also a host of contemporary activities like nightlife, clubs, cafes, and concerts.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Serbia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade.
-
Riga Prices
Latvia PricesBelgrade Prices
Serbia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €122Belgrade €48
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, while the average daily cost in Belgrade is €48. 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 Riga and Belgrade in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €52Belgrade €28
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €104Belgrade €56
Compare Hotels in Riga and Belgrade
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Belgrade? 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: Riga Hotel Prices and Belgrade Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €9.63Belgrade €5.19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City Center: $33
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga by Sedan: $36
- Private Transfer from Riga International Airport RIX to Riga City: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan: $49
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $56
- Private Transfer from Hotel to Riga Airport with English speaking driver: $56
- Private Transfer to anywhere in Riga Center: $57
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $57
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $65
- Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $86
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $109
- Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minibus: $115
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belgrade
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belgrade:
- Airport Transfer in Belgrade, Serbia: $40
- Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport(BEG) to Belgrade - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private transfer from Belgrade Airport: $57
- Belgrade Airport Transfers to/from any Destination: $62
- VAN Private transfer from Belgrade Airport: $88
- Airport transfer between Belgrade Nikola Tesla and Novi Sad: $101
- Private Transfer : $102
- Private Transfer: Belgrade to Novi Sad and back: $159
- Private Transfer from Belgrade Airport (BEG) to Sremski Karlovci: $163
- Private transfer from Belgrade or Belgrade Airport to Novi Sad: $176
- Private Transfer from Novi Sad to Belgrade Airport (BEG): $182
- Private Transfer from Belgrade Airport (BEG) to Šabac: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Belgrade?
Prices for flights to both Belgrade and Riga 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 dayRiga €57Belgrade €15
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
-
Fast Food Lunch€5.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $125
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belgrade
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belgrade.
- E-Scooter Serbian Food Tour: $68
- Private Serbian Food Cooking Experience in Belgrade with Meal: $79
- Private Walking and Food Tour in Belgrade: $108
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €14Belgrade €4.18
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $5.00
- Latvian History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Riga’s Old Town: $8.99
- Riga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.15
- Riga Canal and Daugava Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $9.16
- Old Town Sightseeing Tour in Riga by Electro Bus: $11
- RigaCruises: Canal and Daugava River Cruise: $12
- Admission Ticket to Live Silver Museum: $12
- Riga Sightseeing by Canal Boat: $14
- Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat with Audioguide: $15
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Riga Old Town walking tour: $17
- Old Riga Walking Tour: Legends, Landmarks & Hidden Gems: $17
Tours and Activities in Belgrade
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belgrade are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Family Centar Sremska Mitrovica -Playroom for kids: $1.13
- Belgrade Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.80
- Downtown Belgrade Smartphone App Self Guided GPS Tour: $15
- Discover Stunning Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Communist Tour in Belgrade: $17
- Self-guided kayak tour in Belgrade : $25
- Feel Belgrade Welcome tour : $31
- 3-Hour Small Group Walking Tour: $33
- Belgrade Underground Tour w/ Sparkling Wine Along the River: $33
- Half-Day Sightseeing and Walking Tour of Belgrade City: $34
- Sunset Kayak Adventure in Belgrade: $34
- Street Art and Hipster 2-Hour Private Guided Tour in Beograd: $40
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Belgrade €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide! : $32
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $56
- Riga Brewery Tour: $56
- Riga Brewery Tour: $73
- Riga Wine Tasting Session: $108
Sample the Local Flavors in Belgrade
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belgrade:
- E-Scooter CRAFT BEER and BREWERY Tour: $56
- Natural wine tasting with great views: $68
- Belgrade Local Serbian Wine Tasting Tour: $85
- Novisad Ethnic Village Serbian Wine Tasting Tour: $115
- Northern Serbia: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting in a cellar : $204
- Full-Day Tour along Danube with Three Stronghold Sightseeing and Wine Tasting: $221
- From Subotica & Palić Lake Tour with Wine tasting: $225
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Belgrade, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Belgrade much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belgrade would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belgrade 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga than you might in Belgrade.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Belgrade Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Belgrade?
Belgrade has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Belgrade, 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 Riga or Belgrade?
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 Riga or Belgrade in the Summer?
Both Belgrade and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Riga is cooler than Belgrade. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Belgrade averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Belgrade. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belgrade receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Belgrade 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Riga or Belgrade in the Autumn?
Both Belgrade and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Riga is generally much colder than Belgrade. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Belgrade fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in October than Belgrade. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Belgrade receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Belgrade 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Riga or Belgrade in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Belgrade. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Belgrade in the winter. The weather in Riga can be very cold. Riga is much colder than Belgrade in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Belgrade fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Belgrade. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Belgrade receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Belgrade 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Riga or Belgrade in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Belgrade. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In the spring, Riga is much colder than Belgrade. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Belgrade averages at about 14°C (56°F).
Riga usually gets less rain in April than Belgrade. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Belgrade receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Belgrade 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Belgrade and Riga
| Riga | Belgrade | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.