Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Riga or Montevideo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo?
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.
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €104Montevideo €59
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Montevideo is €59. 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 Montevideo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €53Montevideo €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €106Montevideo €74
Compare Hotels in Riga and Montevideo
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €15Montevideo €6.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Riga - Tallin: Transfer and Tour through beautiful landmarks: $490
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $462
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $429
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $344
- Transfer from Riga International Airport to Downtown: $269
- From Transfer to Tallinn with Turaida Museum Reserve: $231
- From Vilnius: One-Way Private Transfer to Riga: $183
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $151
- Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $139
- Riga Gun Experience: Roundtrip Transfer and 4 Firearms: $132
- Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $108
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $104
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $19
- Carrasco Airport Transfer: $20
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $30
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Montevideo?
Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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 €33Montevideo €13
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €21Montevideo €19
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 Day Gastronomy Tour In Latgale : $241
- 2.5-Hour Riga Cruiser Bike Tour: $41
- 5 Hour Shared Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $82
- ATV Quad Off Road or City Tour in Riga: $142
- Art Nouveau Walking Tour in Riga: $65
- Baltic Treasures Tour: Hill of Crosses, Rundale & Bauska: $153
- Beer Bike Experience : $36
- Best of Riga Walking Tour: $182
- Best of Riga Walking Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems: $66
- City:canal:tour: $22
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Tourist Bus "Discover Montevideo": $25
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
- City tour Montevideo: $27
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
- Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
- Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
- Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Montevideo -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- The best wine tour: $140
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Montevideo, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Montevideo is in South America, 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Montevideo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Montevideo?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Montevideo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Riga has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Riga or Montevideo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Montevideo. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Riga is cooler than Montevideo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Montevideo averages at about 24°C (75°F)in January.
Riga usually gets less rain in July than Montevideoin January. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRiga 17°C (63°F)Montevideo 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Riga or Montevideo in the Autumn?
Both Montevideo and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Montevideoin April. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Montevideoin April. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilRiga 7°C (45°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Riga or Montevideo in the Winter?
Both Montevideo and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Riga can be very cold. Riga is much colder than Montevideo in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Montevideo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
Riga usually gets less rain in January than Montevideoin July. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyRiga -5°C (23°F)Montevideo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Riga or Montevideo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Montevideo. 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 Montevideo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Montevideo averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.
Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Montevideoin October. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberRiga 5°C (42°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Montevideo and Riga
| Riga | Montevideo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.