A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sigulda vs. Geneva for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sigulda or Geneva?

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 Sigulda and Geneva can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Geneva?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

Geneva

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Sigulda?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, while the average daily cost in Geneva is €196. 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 Sigulda and Geneva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Geneva 136
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Geneva 272
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Geneva

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda or Geneva? 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 Sigulda


Hotels in Geneva


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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Geneva 8.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Airport Transfer Geneva Airport to Villars sur Ollon: $361
  • Airport transfer - Geneva city center: $134
  • Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
  • Departure Transfer from Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by MiniVan: $95
  • From Private Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $267
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Courchevel (FR) Arrival Private Transfer: $174
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Meribel (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $195
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Montreux - Arrival Private Transfer: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Geneva?

Prices for flights to both Geneva and Sigulda 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
    Sigulda 7.81
    Geneva 49
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

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


  • Pastry
    1.85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,406

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Geneva 28

Tours and Activities in Sigulda

Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
  • From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218

Tours and Activities in Geneva

Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sigulda -
    Geneva 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Geneva?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda and Geneva, 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 Sigulda or Geneva?

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 Sigulda or Geneva in the Summer?

Both Geneva and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Sigulda is cooler than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In July, Sigulda usually receives more rain than Geneva. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sigulda 17°C (63°F) 
    Geneva 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Geneva in the Autumn?

Both Geneva and Sigulda during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sigulda is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sigulda in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Geneva 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Geneva in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Geneva. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. The weather in Sigulda can be very cold. In January, Sigulda is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around -5°C (23°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Geneva. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Geneva 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Geneva in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Geneva. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Sigulda is much colder than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Geneva 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Geneva and Sigulda

Sigulda Geneva
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)