Which place is cheaper, Havana or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Riga or Havana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Havana? 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €104Havana €61
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Havana 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €53Havana €38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €106Havana €76
Compare Hotels in Riga and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Havana? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €15Havana €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $151
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $344
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $462
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $429
- From Transfer to Tallinn with Turaida Museum Reserve: $231
- From Vilnius: One-Way Private Transfer to Riga: $183
- Paintball Adventure: Expert Guide & Transfers Included!: $81
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $54
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $71
- Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $32
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $104
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride€0.63
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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 €33Havana €9.53
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: $97
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $114
- Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $131
- Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $139
- Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $140
- Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $153
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza€0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €21Havana €10
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: $3.23
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $7.00
- Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.53
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.50
- Boat tour in Canal and Daugava: $9.69
- Discover Riga's Art Nouveau Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
- Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Havana €5.37
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: $38
- 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: $97
- Riga Wine Tasting Session: $103
- Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $526
- Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,341
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito€0.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Havana, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Havana?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Havana, 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 Havana?
Riga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Riga or Havana in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Havana. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Riga is much colder than Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Havana. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Riga or Havana in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Havana. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
In October, Riga is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Riga usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Riga or Havana in the Winter?
Both Havana and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Riga can get quite cold in the winter. Riga is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Havana. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Riga or Havana in the Spring?
Both Havana and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
In the spring, Riga is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Riga
| Riga | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.