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

Should you visit Sochi or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Kotor? 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor

A coastal town of Montenegro, Kotor is also a beautifully-preserved fortified, medieval town, featuring a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively piazzas, historic churches, and a spread of bars and restaurants throughout its historic Old Town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Kotor 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 Kotor is $108. 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 Kotor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $14
    Kotor $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $28
    Kotor $106
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Kotor

Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Kotor? 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 Kotor


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: Kotor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Kotor $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:

  • Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Budva /Sveti Stefan: $217
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Lustica Bay: $152
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Podgorica City: $272
  • Airport Transfer Tivat/Porto Montenegro to Portonovi /Herceg Novi: $141
  • Enjoy Private Transfers by Car or Van from Tivat Airport to Kotor or Budva: $43
  • Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $103
  • Herceg Novi to Kotor one way transfer: $144
  • Herceg Novi to Kotor one way transfer: $78
  • Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica Airport (TGD) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Podgorica hotels: $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Kotor?

Prices for flights to both Kotor 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
    Kotor $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor

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

  • Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $225
  • Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $261
  • Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $304

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $112
    Kotor $9.01

Tours and Activities in Kotor

Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kotor Sunset Group Tour: Lady of the Rocks and Perast(1.5hr): $22
  • Private Walking Tour in Kotor : $22
  • Kotor Old Town - City Walking Tour: $23
  • Kotor Old Town Walking Tour: $24
  • Panorama and Semi-Submarine Underwater Experience: $24
  • Boat Tour to Perast Old Town & Our Lady of the Rocks: $27
  • Tour Kotor - Perast Old Town - Island Our Lady of the Rocks - Every 2 hours: $29
  • Kotor Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: $33
  • Whole Boka Bay Cruise with Ship Knez Lipovac: $33
  • Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks Boat Tour: $33
  • Shore Excursion - Handwoven Carpet Workshop, Local wine and Kotor Old Town tour : $33
  • Blue Cave Speedboat Tour from Kotor: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Kotor $9.22

Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:

  • Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
  • Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
  • Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $250
  • National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $259
  • Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $426


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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Kotor?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sochi is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 23°C (73°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In July, Sochi usually receives more rain than Kotor. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Sochi or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Sochi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sochi is around the same temperature as Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Kotor 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Kotor. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Sochi is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sochi in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sochi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kotor. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Kotor 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Kotor. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Sochi is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 13°C (55°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Sochi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sochi usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Kotor 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kotor and Sochi

Sochi Kotor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 7°C (45°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)