A Travel Price Comparison for Latvia Sigulda vs. Riga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sigulda or Riga?

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 Riga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Riga?

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.

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

Which place is cheaper, Riga 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 Riga is €104. 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 Riga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Riga 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Riga 106
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Riga

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda or Riga? 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 Riga


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 Riga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Riga 15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $152
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $347
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $466
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $433
  • From Transfer to Tallinn with Turaida Museum Reserve: $233
  • From Vilnius: One-Way Private Transfer to Riga: $185
  • Paintball Adventure: Expert Guide & Transfers Included!: $81
  • Private Transfer from Hotel to Riga Airport with English speaking driver: $54
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $27
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $72
  • Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $32
  • Private Transfer from Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Riga?

Prices for flights to both Riga 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
    Riga 33
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

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


  • Pastry
    1.85

Typical Food Prices in Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

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

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
  • Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Riga 21

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: $81
  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $109
  • From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $130
  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $261

Tours and Activities in Riga

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $7.06
  • Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
  • Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.60
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Riga:Cruises: $16
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sigulda -
    Riga 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $147

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

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

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
  • Riga Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience: $35
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $38
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $54
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $71
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $104
  • Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $531
  • Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,371


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sigulda and Riga, we can see that Riga 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Riga?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda and Riga, 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 Riga?

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 Riga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Riga. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sigulda is around the same temperature as Riga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sigulda in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Riga averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In July, Sigulda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Riga. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sigulda 17°C (63°F) 
    Riga 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Riga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Riga. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

In October, Sigulda is generally around the same temperature as Riga. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 7°C (45°F), and Riga fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Sigulda usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Riga. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Riga 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Riga in the Winter?

Both Riga and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. It's quite cold in Sigulda in the winter. Sigulda is around the same temperature as Riga in the winter. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Riga fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In January, Sigulda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Riga. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Riga -5°C (23°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Riga in the Spring?

Both Riga and Sigulda during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sigulda is around the same temperature as Riga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sigulda in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Riga averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Sigulda usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Riga. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Riga 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Riga and Sigulda

Sigulda Riga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)