A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rijeka vs. Maribor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rijeka or Maribor?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Rijeka and Maribor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Rijeka or Maribor?

Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rijeka and Maribor, we can see that Rijeka is more expensive. And not only is Maribor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maribor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maribor 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 Rijeka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rijeka than you might in Maribor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rijeka Expensive? and Is Maribor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rijeka or Maribor?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Rijeka and Maribor, 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 Rijeka or Maribor?

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 Rijeka or Maribor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rijeka and Maribor. Many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Rijeka is around the same temperature as Maribor in the summer. The daily temperature in Rijeka averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Maribor fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maribor this time of the year. In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rijeka usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during summer. Rijeka gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rijeka usually receives less rain than Maribor. Rijeka gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rijeka or Maribor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rijeka as well as Maribor. Most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Rijeka is a little warmer than Maribor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rijeka in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Maribor averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Rijeka often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Rijeka gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun.

Rijeka usually gets more rain in October than Maribor. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rijeka or Maribor in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Maribor in the winter. In January, Rijeka is generally much warmer than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Rijeka average around 5°C (41°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Rijeka usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during winter. Rijeka gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rijeka usually receives more rain than Maribor. Rijeka gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rijeka or Maribor in the Spring?

Both Maribor and Rijeka during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Rijeka is around the same temperature as Maribor in the spring. The daily temperature in Rijeka averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Rijeka often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Rijeka gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun.

Rijeka usually gets more rain in April than Maribor. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maribor and Rijeka