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

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Should you visit Riga or Lulea?

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

Should I visit Riga or Lulea? 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 Lulea?

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.

Lulea

Lulea is in northern Sweden, in Norrbotten. It's a mid sized city with about 70,000 residents. It also has a technical university, the Lulea University of Technology, which was created in 1971. The city of Lulea is located at the mouth of Lule River on the Gulf of Bothnia. The city's economy is focused on research, education, trade and services. The university's educational programs appeal to new businesses that range from local companies to multinational corporations. There is also a prominant IT sector in the city.

Which place is cheaper, Lulea or Riga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €103, while the average daily cost in Lulea is €98. 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 Lulea in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga €53
    Lulea €51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga €106
    Lulea €102
Compare Hotels in Riga and Lulea

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Lulea? 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 Lulea


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 Lulea Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga €15
    Lulea €20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Airport transfer & private driver services: $25
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minibus: $93
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minivan: $46
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Sedan Car: $26
  • English Speaking Private Arrival Transfer from Riga Airport: $25
  • English Speaking Private Departure Transfer to Riga Airport: $37
  • English Speaking Private Minibus Arrival Transfer from Riga Airport: $49
  • Mercedes-Benz Viano Van Transfer from Riga to Vilnius/Talinn/Any Baltic Country: $425
  • PanCars CITY RACE + airport/hotel transfer: $81
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Riga to Riga International Airport (RIX): $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga City Center: $19
  • Private Departure Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport (RIX): $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lulea

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lulea:

  • Lulea City Center to Lulea Airport (LLA) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • Lulea Private Transfer from Central Lulea to Lulea Airport: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Lulea?

Prices for flights to both Lulea 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 €32
    Lulea €33
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.

  • Private Guided Virtual Food Tour of Riga: $12
  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $34
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $102
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga €21
    Lulea €15

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
  • Riga's Architecture: An art nouveau history audio tour: $5.00
  • Riga Art Nouveau walking tour: $8.71
  • Classic Car Museum Tour: $9.95
  • Riga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat: $16
  • Gastronomic tour with professional chef: $19
  • The Best Of Riga Walking Tour: $22
  • Daily Riga Bike Tour: $22
  • The Best Of Riga Walking Tour: $23
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour - Regular Walking tours: $25

Tours and Activities in Lulea

Here are a few actual costs in Lulea for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Northern Lights tour in a luxury minibuss: $181

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga €19
    Lulea €17

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 in Riga: $37
  • Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide!: $47
  • Riga Public Pub Crawl: $60
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $64
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $83
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $83
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $83
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $115
  • Gauja National Park Tour: Castles and Wine Tasting: $149
  • Culinary, Historic and Wine Tour to Sigulda and Cesis: $224
  • Exclusive Latvian Wine Tasting In Riga: $380
  • 1.5-Hour Latvian Wine Tasting Experience: $476

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Lulea, we can see that Riga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Riga or Lulea?

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 Lulea in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Lulea. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is around the same temperature as Lulea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July are around 17°C (63°F), and Lulea is about 15°C (60°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Lulea. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lulea receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Lulea 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Riga or Lulea in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Lulea. 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.

The weather in Lulea can be very cold. In October, Riga is generally much warmer than Lulea. Temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Lulea stays around 2°C (36°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lulea. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lulea receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Lulea 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Riga or Lulea in the Winter?

Both Lulea and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lulea in the winter. The weather in Riga can be very cold. Riga is much warmer than Lulea in the winter. The temperature in Riga is usually -5°C (23°F) in January, and Lulea stays around -12°C (10°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Lulea. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lulea receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Lulea -12°C (10°F)

Should I visit Riga or Lulea in the Spring?

Both Lulea and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lulea. In the spring, Riga is much warmer than Lulea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April are around 5°C (42°F), and Lulea is about -1°C (31°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in April than Lulea. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lulea receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Lulea -1°C (31°F)

Typical Weather for Lulea and Riga

Riga Lulea
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)


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Riga vs. Lulea Travel Comparison

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