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

Should you visit Sochi or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka 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 Rijeka is $101. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $14
    Rijeka $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $28
    Rijeka $108
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka


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: Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Rijeka $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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
    Rijeka $36

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $112
    Rijeka $9.48

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

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

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Rijeka $17


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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Rijeka?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Rijeka. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sochi is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sochi in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In July, Sochi usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Rijeka. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Sochi is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 16°C (60°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Sochi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sochi usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sochi is a little warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Sochi. In January, Sochi usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Sochi during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Sochi is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sochi in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in April than Rijeka. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Sochi

Sochi Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)