A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sochi vs. Dubrovnik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sochi or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Sochi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $61, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $106. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $15
    Dubrovnik $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $30
    Dubrovnik $110
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Dubrovnik? 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 Sochi


Hotels in Dubrovnik


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Dubrovnik $14

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Dubrovnik City Private Departure Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport : $33
  • AirPort Transfers Dubrovnik by CRUISER TAXI: $33
  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $28
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $254
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $265
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $57
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik in Luxury Van: $54
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $23
  • Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $55
  • Departure Private Transfers: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV in Business Car: $49
  • Departure Private Transfers: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV in Luxury Van: $54
  • Direct And Private Transfer From Dubrovnik To Split: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sochi $17
    Dubrovnik $36

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $81
  • Food Tour: Taste Dubrovnik: $98
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $129
  • Old Town Food Tour: $146
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $149
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $180
  • 3 Hour Sites and Bites Food Tour in Dubrovnik: $194
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $201
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $204
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $212
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $217
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $114
    Dubrovnik $21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $15
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $58
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $49

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.43
  • Self-guided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.51
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.52
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Medieval Adventure City Game: $7.05
  • Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.15
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
  • Shell Museum Private Guided Tour: $7.71
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.69
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Audio Guide Tour: $8.81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Dubrovnik $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $55
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $71
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $76
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $81
  • Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Korcula & Peljesac Wine Tasting Group Tour from Dubrovnik: $85
  • Full Day Korcula and Peljesac Wine Tasting Tour in Dubrovnik: $86
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $87
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $94
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97


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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Dubrovnik?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Sochi or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Sochi during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the summer, Sochi is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sochi in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Sochi usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Dubrovnik. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sochi is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 16°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sochi usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Dubrovnik. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sochi is cooler than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Sochi receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sochi usually gets more rain in January than Dubrovnik. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sochi is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sochi in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Sochi. In April, Sochi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dubrovnik. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Sochi

Sochi Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)