Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Riga or Mostar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Mostar? 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 Mostar?
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.
Mostar
Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €104Mostar €65
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Mostar is €65. 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 Mostar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €53Mostar €34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €106Mostar €68
Compare Hotels in Riga and Mostar
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Mostar? 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 Mostar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €15Mostar €8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $32
- Riga Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $38
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
- Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $52
- Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $54
- Riga Airport to City Center Private Transfers: $59
- Private Transfer from Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $70
- Paintball Adventure: Expert Guide & Transfers Included!: $80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:
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Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)€20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
- Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
- Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
- Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $174
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
- Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
- From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $267
- Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Mostar?
Prices for flights to both Mostar 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 €33Mostar €24
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
- Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $138
- Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $139
- Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $152
Typical Food Prices in Mostar
Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:
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A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)€14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mostar.
- Mostar street food tour: $57
- Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
- Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €21Mostar €8.78
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: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
- Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.49
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
- Boat tour in Canal and Daugava: $9.62
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
- Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
Tours and Activities in Mostar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mostar are as follows:
- Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket: $5.94
- Walking tour in Old Town Mostar: $18
- Walking Tour in Old Town Mostar: $20
- Mostar city Tour: $22
- Mostar Walking Tour: Orient in the West: $22
- Mostar in War: Historical Walking Tour: $22
- Street Art Guided Tour in Mostar: $22
- Mostar Private Walking Tour - where East meets West: $32
- Mostar Shelters tour in Mostar: $37
- The Ottoman Experience Tour in Mostar: $37
- The Death of Yugoslavia Tour in Mostar: $38
- Private Half-Day Oriental Tour of Mostar with Food Tasting: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Mostar €3.47
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: $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: $523
- Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,320
Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:
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A Few Drinks (for 2)€6.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:
- 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
- Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Mostar, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Mostar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mostar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mostar 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 Mostar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Mostar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Mostar?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Mostar. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Mostar, 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 Mostar?
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 Mostar in the Summer?
Both Mostar and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In the summer, Riga is much colder than Mostar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Mostar averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Mostar. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Mostar 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Riga or Mostar in the Autumn?
Both Mostar and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Riga is generally much colder than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Mostar. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Mostar 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Riga or Mostar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Mostar. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Riga can get quite cold in the winter. Riga is much colder than Mostar in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Mostar receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Mostar. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Mostar 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Riga or Mostar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Mostar. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Riga is much colder than Mostar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Mostar averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Mostar. Riga usually gets less rain in April than Mostar. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Mostar 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Mostar and Riga
| Riga | Mostar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 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.