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

Should you visit Sarajevo or Maribor?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarajevo and Maribor. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Sarajevo or Maribor?

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Maribor or Sarajevo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarajevo is $70, while the average daily cost in Maribor is $81. 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 Sarajevo and Maribor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarajevo $27
    Maribor $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarajevo $54
    Maribor $94
Compare Hotels in Sarajevo and Maribor

Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo or Maribor? 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 Sarajevo


Hotels in Maribor


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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices and Maribor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarajevo $7.02
    Maribor $9.35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Private Sarajevo Airport Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $142
  • Private Transfer from Hrasnica to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $68
  • Private Transfer from Konjic to Mostar Airport (OMO): $174
  • Private Transfer from Konjic to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $155
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bojnik : $68

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Maribor

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


  • Gondola (for 2)
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maribor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maribor:

  • Private transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana city: $250
  • Private Transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Sarajevo or Maribor?

Prices for flights to both Maribor and Sarajevo 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
    Sarajevo $31
    Maribor $28
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80

Typical Food Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Maribor:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $26
  • Gostilnica Navogalu Cafe Lunch
    $8.04

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sarajevo $12
    Maribor $9.18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.64

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
  • SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
  • Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
  • Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
  • Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sarajevo $7.34
    Maribor $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70

Typical Alcohol Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Maribor:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $12


When comparing the travel costs between Sarajevo and Maribor, we can see that Maribor 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 Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Maribor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Maribor?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo or Maribor?

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 Sarajevo or Maribor in the Summer?

Both Maribor and Sarajevo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarajevo is a little warmer than Maribor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarajevo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Maribor averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Maribor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. In the summer, Sarajevo often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo usually gets less rain in July than Maribor. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F) 
    Maribor 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Sarajevo or Maribor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Maribor. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In October, Sarajevo is generally a little warmer than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 17°C (62°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Sarajevo usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during autumn. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Maribor. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Sarajevo or Maribor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Maribor. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Maribor can get quite cold in the winter. Sarajevo is much warmer than Maribor in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Maribor fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Sarajevo often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in January than Maribor. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F) 
    Maribor 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Sarajevo or Maribor in the Spring?

Both Maribor and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sarajevo is a little warmer than Maribor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarajevo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Maribor averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor during spring. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In April, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Maribor. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Maribor and Sarajevo

Sarajevo Maribor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)