Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Sochi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sochi or Heidelberg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sochi or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg?
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.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySochi $60Heidelberg $152
The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $60, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is $152. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSochi $14Heidelberg $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSochi $28Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Heidelberg
Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Heidelberg? 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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sochi -Heidelberg $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg
Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
- Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
- Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
- Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Heidelberg?
Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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 $17Heidelberg $40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg
For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
- Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sochi $112Heidelberg $12
Tours and Activities in Heidelberg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.54
- Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
- Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.54
- Uncover A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Time: $11
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySochi -Heidelberg $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:
- Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sochi and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sochi or Heidelberg?
Sochi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?
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 Heidelberg in the Summer?
Both Heidelberg and Sochi during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sochi is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sochi in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).
Sochi usually gets more rain in July than Heidelberg. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySochi 23°C (73°F)Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Heidelberg in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Heidelberg. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.
In October, Sochi is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 16°C (60°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sochi usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSochi 16°C (60°F)Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Heidelberg in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Heidelberg. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. Sochi is much warmer than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Sochi receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sochi usually gets more rain in January than Heidelberg. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySochi 6°C (44°F)Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Heidelberg in the Spring?
Both Heidelberg and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sochi is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sochi in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Sochi. In April, Sochi usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSochi 13°C (55°F)Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Sochi
| Sochi | Heidelberg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (44°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (45°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.