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

Should you visit Sochi or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Hvar? 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 Hvar?

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.

Hvar

Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar or Sochi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $60, while the average daily cost in Hvar is $109. 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 Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $14
    Hvar $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $28
    Hvar $80
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Hvar? 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 Hvar


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: Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Hvar $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar 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
    Hvar $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

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

  • Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner: $180
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $187
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $202
  • Hvar Abandoned Village Tour with Local Dinner: $214
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner: $234
  • Food Tour: Traditional Flavours and Food Sampling on Hvar: $262
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $272
  • The Best of Hvar in a Day with Wine tasting and Local Dinner: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $112
    Hvar $7.99

Tours and Activities in Hvar

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

  • Private Multi-Activity Experience in Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa: $25
  • Walking tour of Hvar with your local guide: $32
  • Pakleni Islands Self-Guided Kayaking Tour: $48
  • Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands: $49
  • Hvar Island Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $65
  • Half-day kayak tour from Hvar town: $65
  • Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht: $70
  • Hvar Self Guided E-bike Tour: $70
  • Experience Romantic Sunset Sailing on a modern 36ft (11m) sail yacht | Hvar: $71
  • Boat Tour at Delfina Hvar: $76
  • Blue cave group tour with swimming and snorkelling from Hvar: $76
  • Sunset tour with a SpeedBoat: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Hvar $9.80

Sample the Local Flavors in Hvar

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

  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $118
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $157


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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Hvar?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Hvar. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Sochi is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In July, Sochi usually receives more rain than Hvar. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Hvar. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sochi is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sochi in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Sochi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sochi usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Sochi or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In January, Sochi is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 6°C (44°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Sochi. In January, Sochi usually receives more rain than Hvar. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Hvar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Sochi during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Sochi is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Sochi

Sochi Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)