A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Debrecen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Riga or Debrecen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Riga or Debrecen? 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 Debrecen?

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.

Debrecen

Finding its beginning as a collection of agricultural villages, Debrecen has grown to become the second largest city in Hungary as well as the regional center for the Northern Great Plain region. Highlights include the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen, Hortobagy National Park, Deri Museum, and the Debrecen Zoo and Botanical Garden.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Hungary, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Debrecen or Riga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Debrecen is €61. 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 Debrecen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 53
    Debrecen 31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 106
    Debrecen 62
Compare Hotels in Riga and Debrecen

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Debrecen? 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 Riga


Hotels in Debrecen


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 Debrecen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 15
    Debrecen 10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Private Transfer from Riga Cruise Port to Riga Airport RIX: $27
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $27
  • Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $32
  • Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
  • Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
  • Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $53
  • Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Transfer from Hotel to Riga Airport with English speaking driver: $54
  • Riga Airport to City Center Private Transfers: $60
  • Private Transfer from Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $70
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Debrecen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Debrecen:

  • Debrecen - Budapest Transfer: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Debrecen?

Prices for flights to both Debrecen 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 day
    Riga 33
    Debrecen 22
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.

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
  • Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 21
    Debrecen 16

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: $3.26
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $7.06
  • Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
  • Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.60
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Riga:Cruises: $16
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Debrecen 8.54

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 Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience: $35
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $38
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $54
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $71
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $104
  • Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $531
  • Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,371


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Debrecen, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Debrecen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Debrecen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Debrecen 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 Debrecen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Debrecen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Riga or Debrecen?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Debrecen. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Debrecen, 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 Debrecen?

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 Debrecen in the Summer?

Both Debrecen and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Debrecen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Debrecen averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Debrecen. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Debrecen 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Riga or Debrecen in the Autumn?

Both Debrecen and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

In October, Riga is generally cooler than Debrecen. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Debrecen fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Debrecen. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Riga or Debrecen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Debrecen. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Debrecen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Riga is much colder than Debrecen in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Debrecen fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Debrecen. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Debrecen -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Riga or Debrecen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Debrecen. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Debrecen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Debrecen averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Debrecen. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Debrecen and Riga

Riga Debrecen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 0°C (32°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)