Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Sochi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sochi or Dresden?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sochi or Dresden? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Sochi or Dresden?
Sochi
Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is one of the southernmost major cities in Russia. It is especially busy in the summer when native Russians and international visitors alike come to enjoy the mountainous coastline and sunny beaches. Sochi is also known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic venues can still be visited today.
Dresden
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySochi $60Dresden $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $60, while the average daily cost in Dresden is $145. 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 Sochi and Dresden in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSochi $14Dresden $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSochi $28Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Dresden
Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Dresden? 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: Dresden Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sochi -Dresden $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
- One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
- Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Dresden?
Prices for flights to both Dresden and Sochi 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 daySochi $17Dresden $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.
- Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
- Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sochi $112Dresden $10
Tours and Activities in Dresden
Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
- Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
- Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
- The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
- Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySochi -Dresden $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:
- Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
- Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sochi and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Sochi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sochi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sochi 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden than you might in Sochi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sochi Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sochi or Dresden?
Dresden has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Sochi. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Dresden, 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 Sochi or Dresden?
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 Sochi or Dresden in the Summer?
Both Dresden and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.
In the summer, Sochi is a little warmer than Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sochi in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In July, Sochi usually receives more rain than Dresden. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySochi 23°C (73°F)Dresden 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Dresden in the Autumn?
Both Dresden and Sochi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Sochi is generally a little warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 16°C (60°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSochi 16°C (60°F)Dresden 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Dresden in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Dresden. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Sochi is much warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sochi usually receives more rain than Dresden. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySochi 6°C (44°F)Dresden 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Dresden in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Dresden. Also, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Sochi is a little warmer than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sochi in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Sochi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sochi usually gets more rain in April than Dresden. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSochi 13°C (55°F)Dresden 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Dresden and Sochi
| Sochi | Dresden | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (44°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (45°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 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.