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

Should you visit Sochi or Munich?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Munich? 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 Munich?

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.

Munich

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and a top travel destination within Germany. It has stunning architecture and a cultural scene that rivals Berlin. It has some of the country's top museums, festivals, and concerts. Munich is most famous for its Oktoberfest, which is easily the busiest time of year in the city. The architecture is what surprises most travelers. It's quite impressive and truly adds to the character of the city. Although much of Munich was destroyed during World War II, the city has successfully rebuilt most of the buildings in their previous style. Much of the city remains as it was in the 1800s. There are two major research universities in Munich, helping to make it a center for engineering, business, and the sciences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Munich 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 Munich is $158. 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 Munich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $14
    Munich $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $28
    Munich $192
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Munich

Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Munich? 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 Munich


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: Munich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Munich $20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich

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


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    $2.46
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    $5.57
  • City transport day ticket
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Munich Airport MUC to Munich in Luxury Car: $249
  • Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Car: $74
  • Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Van: $65
  • Arrival Transfer from Munich Train Station to Munich by Sedan: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer: Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Luxury Car: $250
  • From Munich Airport to Nuremberg - Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $193
  • From Munich Airport to Salzburg - Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $208
  • Guided Nymphenburg Palace Tour with Transfers & skip the line.: $235
  • Mercedes Benz V-Class Airport Transfers: $158
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Arber Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Arrival Transfer: $71
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Arrival Private Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Munich?

Prices for flights to both Munich 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
    Munich $29

Typical Food Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    $5.36
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    $2.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour: $46
  • Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
  • Food Tour Beer- 3 small beers & "Brotzeit" in GERMAN: $79
  • 6 gears dinner show menu: $99
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $136
  • Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
  • Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $209
  • Private - Viktualienmarkt Food Tour and Beyond - best Munich tastings: $229
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
  • Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Dinner : $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $112
    Munich $31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    $4.29
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    $9.64
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    $15
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    $26

Tours and Activities in Munich

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Munich Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Victuals Market Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.74
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Guided tour through the Sudeten German Museum: $5.35
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.35
  • From Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $5.35
  • Munich through the Centuries: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-guided Walking Tour to River Isar Landmarks: $6.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • Interactive City Tour on Your Smartphone: $7.48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Munich $39

Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

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

  • Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $28
  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
  • English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $37
  • Max & Moritz: Interactive Wine Tasting Experience: $37
  • Cheese & Wine tasting: $95
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $288
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401


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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Munich?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sochi. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Munich, 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 Munich?

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 Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sochi is a little warmer than Munich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sochi in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Munich averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Sochi usually receives more rain than Munich. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Munich 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Munich in the Autumn?

Both Munich and Sochi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Sochi is generally a little warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 16°C (60°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in October than Munich. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Munich 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Munich in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Munich. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Munich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Munich can be very cold. Sochi is much warmer than Munich in the winter. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sochi usually receives more rain than Munich. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Munich -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Munich in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Munich. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

In the spring, Sochi is a little warmer than Munich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sochi in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Sochi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sochi usually gets more rain in April than Munich. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Munich 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Munich and Sochi

Sochi Munich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)