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

Should you visit Sochi or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Sochi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $61, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $71. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $15
    Sarajevo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $30
    Sarajevo $56
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo


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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Sarajevo $7.15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $28
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $19
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $19
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $17
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Sarajevo SJJ Airport to Sarajevo : $16
  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Private Sarajevo Airport Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $143
  • Private Transfer from Konjic to Mostar Airport (OMO): $176
  • Private Transfer from Podlugovi to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $71
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bjelašnica: $98
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bugojno: $254

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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
    Sarajevo $31

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $54
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
  • Sarajevo Food Tour off the beaten path: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $114
    Sarajevo $12

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.78

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Svrzo House Entrance Ticket: $3.30
  • 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $14
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Tito's Bunker Tour: $17
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $17
  • Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $17
  • Sensational Sarajevo Sunset Walking Tour: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • SARAJEVO STREET ART TOUR (art, city, history & mystery): $19
  • Sarajevo Old Town Walking Tour, Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Sarajevo $7.48


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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Sarajevo?

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

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Sarajevo. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Sochi is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Sochi usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Sochi is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sochi in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. It's quite rainy in Sochi. In October, Sochi usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Sochi during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Sochi is generally around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 6°C (44°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in January than Sarajevo. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Sochi or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Sarajevo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Sochi is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sochi usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Sochi

Sochi Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)