Which place is cheaper, Belgrade or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €104Belgrade €42
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Belgrade is €42. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €53Belgrade €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €106Belgrade €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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €15Belgrade €5.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $32
- Riga Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $38
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
- Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $52
- Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $54
- Riga Airport to City Center Private Transfers: $59
- Private Transfer from Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $70
- Paintball Adventure: Expert Guide & Transfers Included!: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belgrade
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belgrade:
- Bus Transfer Between Airport and Slavija Square: $3.65
- Belgrade to Belgrade N. Tesla Airport (BEG) - Departure Transfer: $35
- Airport Transfer in Belgrade, Serbia: $39
- Belgrade airport transfer: $46
- Champs Limo Belgrade Serbia Private Transfers: $48
- Belgrade Airport transfer - Business Class: $51
- Nikola Tesla Airport Private Transfer: $52
- Belgrade N. Tesla Airport (BEG) to Belgrade - Round-Trip Transfer: $70
- Nikola Tesla BEG airport-private airport transfer: $75
- Private Airport Transfer: $84
- Belgrade and Avala Mountain Full Day Layover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $88
- Private Airport Transfer from Belgrade to Novi Sad: $94
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
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Food Meals for one dayRiga €33Belgrade €8.63
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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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.
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
- Unique Food Tour: $52
- Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $96
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $114
- Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $131
- Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $138
- Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $139
- Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $152
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: $65
- Private Walking and Food Tour in Belgrade: $71
- E-Scooter Serbian Food Tour: $75
- The 10 Tastings of Belgrade Private Food Tour : $135
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €21Belgrade €4.19
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
- Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.49
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
- Boat tour in Canal and Daugava: $9.62
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
- Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
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: $1.09
- Capture Belgrade:Audio Walking Tour in the Heart of the City: $3.19
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Jack The Ripper Skip-the-Line Ticket in Belgrade: $3.27
- Belgrade City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided City Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
- Sightseeing by open top bus: $14
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
- Yugoslavia Communist tour: $16
- Saint Sava Temple guided tour: $16
- Underground Tour with Glass of Wine: $16
- Fortress Underground Tour w/Wine Along the River: $16
Alcohol
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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:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
- Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $37
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $37
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
- Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
- Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $75
- Old Town Sightseeing & Latvian Wine Tasting with Show: $96
- Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $523
- Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,320
Sample the Local Flavors in Belgrade
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belgrade:
- Wines & Horses Wine Tasting surrounded by Horses: $48
- Belgrade Reserved Pub Crawl: $49
- Play Pub Crawl Belgrade: $49
- RePlay Pub Crawl in Belgrade: $52
- E-Scooter CRAFT BEER and BREWERY Tour: $53
- Natural wine tasting with great views: $55
- Tour of the MONASTERIES at Fruška Gora NP and Sremski Karlovci with wine tasting: $55
- Belgrade Bar Crawl: $55
- Pearl of North Serbia, trip to Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci with wine tasting: $60
- Private Wine Tasting by Party in Belgrade: $71
- Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci private tour with wine tasting: $75
- 3-Hour Walking Local Wine Tasting Tour: $80
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.