Which place is cheaper, Kosice or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Riga or Kosice?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Kosice? 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 Kosice?
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.
Kosice
Founded in the 13th century, Kosice today is the second largest city in Slovakia featuring churches, cathedrals, and fortifications which speak to its roots as a center of activity during the Middle Ages. Some of its top attractions include the city's historical center, Singing Fountain, and Cathedral of Saint Elizabeth.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Slovakia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Slovakia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €104Kosice €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Kosice is €137. 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 Kosice in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €53Kosice €73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €106Kosice €146
Compare Hotels in Riga and Kosice
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Kosice? 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 Kosice Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €15Kosice €29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Riga - Tallin: Transfer and Tour through beautiful landmarks: $485
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $457
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $425
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $341
- Transfer from Riga International Airport to Downtown: $266
- From Transfer to Tallinn with Turaida Museum Reserve: $229
- From Vilnius: One-Way Private Transfer to Riga: $181
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $149
- Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $137
- Riga Gun Experience: Roundtrip Transfer and 4 Firearms: $130
- Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $108
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Kosice?
Prices for flights to both Kosice 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 €33Kosice €42
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
- Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $139
- Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $151
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €21Kosice €24
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- The best of Bauska walking tour: $75
- 1 Day Riga Sightseeing Red Bus Grand Tour: $27
- 2.5-Hour Riga Cruiser Bike Tour: $40
- 3-Hour Private Paintball Game Experience in Zīles: $86
- 5 Hour Shared Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $82
- ATV Quad Off Road or City Tour in Riga: $142
- Beer Bike Experience : $36
- Best of Riga Walking Tour: $180
- Best of Riga Walking Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems: $66
- Boat:Cruises: $16
- City:canal:tour: $16
- Crafted Cocktails: A Masterclass Experience: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Kosice €23
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: $15
- 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: $521
- Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,308
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Kosice, we can see that Kosice is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga 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 Kosice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kosice than you might in Riga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Kosice Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Kosice?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kosice. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Kosice, 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 Kosice?
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 Riga or Kosice in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Kosice. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In July, Riga is generally cooler than Kosice. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Kosice fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kosice. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Kosice 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Riga or Kosice in the Autumn?
Both Kosice and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Riga is cooler than Kosice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Kosice fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Kosice. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Kosice 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Riga or Kosice in the Winter?
Both Kosice and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kosice can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Kosice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Kosice averages at about -2°C (28°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in January than Kosice. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Kosice -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Riga or Kosice in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Kosice. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Riga is generally much colder than Kosice. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Kosice fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Kosice. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Kosice 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Kosice and Riga
| Riga | Kosice | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.