Which place is cheaper, Novi Sad or Rijeka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rijeka or Novi Sad?
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 Novi Sad can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Rijeka or Novi Sad?
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.
Novi Sad
Novi Sad is the capital city of Vojvodina, the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia. Novi Sad has a population of about 400,000 people and is located on the Danube River near Budapest and Belgrade.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia, The Best Budget Tours to Serbia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRijeka $101Novi Sad $20
The average daily cost (per person) in Rijeka is $101, while the average daily cost in Novi Sad is $20. 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 Rijeka and Novi Sad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRijeka $54Novi Sad $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRijeka $108Novi Sad $22
Compare Hotels in Rijeka and Novi Sad
Looking for a hotel in Rijeka or Novi Sad? 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: Rijeka Hotel Prices and Novi Sad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rijeka $17Novi Sad -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Novi Sad
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novi Sad:
- Belgrade airport transfers: $30
- Airport transfer from/to Novi Sad: $107
- Belgrade to Sarajevo via Novi Sad Private Transfer Tour: $287
Is it cheaper to fly into Rijeka or Novi Sad?
Prices for flights to both Novi Sad and Rijeka 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 dayRijeka $36Novi Sad $8.20
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rijeka $9.48Novi Sad -
Tours and Activities in Rijeka
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:
- Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
- History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
- Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
- From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
- Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
- Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
- Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
- Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
- Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
Tours and Activities in Novi Sad
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Novi Sad are as follows:
- The city center and fortress Private Walking Tour: $29
- Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci shared tour: $64
- Novi Sad city center and Petrovaradin fortress tour: $80
- Fruska Gora and Novi Sad Heritage & Gastro Private Tour: $171
- Private Customized Tour with a car: $209
- Novi Sad Private Walking Tour: $254
- From Belgrade: Novi Sad and Fruska Gora National Park Tour: $321
- City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide: $512
- Private Romantic Tour: $513
- 2-Hour Christmas Walking Tour: $770
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRijeka $17Novi Sad -
Sample the Local Flavors in Novi Sad
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Novi Sad:
- From Belgrade: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting: $80
- From Belgrade or Private Wine Tour in Fruska Gora: $185
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rijeka and Novi Sad, we can see that Rijeka is more expensive. And not only is Novi Sad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novi Sad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novi Sad 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 Novi Sad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rijeka Expensive? and Is Novi Sad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rijeka or Novi Sad?
Novi Sad has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Rijeka and Novi Sad, 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 Novi Sad?
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 Novi Sad in the Summer?
Both Novi Sad and Rijeka are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Rijeka is a little warmer than Novi Sad in the summer. The daily temperature in Rijeka averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Novi Sad fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Novi Sad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. Rijeka usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Novi Sad during summer. Rijeka gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rijeka usually receives more rain than Novi Sad. Rijeka gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRijeka 24°C (75°F)Novi Sad 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Rijeka or Novi Sad in the Autumn?
Both Novi Sad and Rijeka during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Rijeka is a little warmer than Novi Sad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rijeka in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Novi Sad averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the autumn, Rijeka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Novi Sad. Rijeka gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 168 hours of full sun.
Rijeka usually gets more rain in October than Novi Sad. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRijeka 16°C (60°F)Novi Sad 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Rijeka or Novi Sad in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rijeka and Novi Sad. Most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Novi Sad can be very cold. In January, Rijeka is generally much warmer than Novi Sad. Daily temperatures in Rijeka average around 5°C (41°F), and Novi Sad fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
Rijeka usually receives more sunshine than Novi Sad during winter. Rijeka gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 71 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rijeka usually receives more rain than Novi Sad. Rijeka gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRijeka 5°C (41°F)Novi Sad -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Rijeka or Novi Sad in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rijeka as well as Novi Sad. The spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Rijeka is a little warmer than Novi Sad in the spring. The daily temperature in Rijeka averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Novi Sad fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Rijeka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Novi Sad. Rijeka gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 178 hours of full sun.
Rijeka usually gets more rain in April than Novi Sad. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRijeka 13°C (56°F)Novi Sad 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Novi Sad and Rijeka
| Rijeka | Novi Sad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (49°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 83 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (51°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (44°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.