A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Plzen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saaremaa or Plzen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Plzen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Saaremaa or Plzen?

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen or Saaremaa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saaremaa is €101, while the average daily cost in Plzen is €95. 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 Saaremaa and Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saaremaa 36
    Plzen 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saaremaa 72
    Plzen 114
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa or Plzen? 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 Saaremaa


Hotels in Plzen


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: Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saaremaa 47
    Plzen 7.75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:


  • Rental Car and Gas for a Day
    34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $271
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $116
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen and Saaremaa 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
    Saaremaa 37
    Plzen 29
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:


  • Salmon
    1.28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saaremaa 21
    Plzen 20

Tours and Activities in Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $250
  • Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.74
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.56
  • Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $32
  • Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saaremaa 11
    Plzen 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.55
  • Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $108
  • Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $140
  • Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks: $207


When comparing the travel costs between Saaremaa and Plzen, we can see that Saaremaa 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.

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


Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Plzen?

Plzen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Plzen, 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 Saaremaa or Plzen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Plzen in the Summer?

Both Plzen and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.

In the summer, Saaremaa is cooler than Plzen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Plzen averages at about 20°C (67°F).

In Plzen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Plzen. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saaremaa 17°C (62°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Plzen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Plzen. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Plzen during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Plzen. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saaremaa 8°C (47°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Plzen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Plzen. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the winter for the cuisine.

Plzen can be very cold during winter. Saaremaa can get quite cold in the winter. Saaremaa is much colder than Plzen in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Plzen. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in January than Plzen. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saaremaa -3°C (27°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Plzen in the Spring?

Both Plzen and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Saaremaa can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Plzen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Plzen. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saaremaa 4°C (38°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Saaremaa

Saaremaa Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 4°C (38°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)