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

Should you visit Sochi or Vienna?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Vienna? 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 Vienna?

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.

Vienna

Vienna is the largest city and capital of Austria. It has a population of over 1.7 million and is a cultural, political and economic center for the country. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some complain that it feels more like a museum than a real city. Outside of the historical center though, is a young and vibrant city with a huge music scene, many street performers, and eclectic and fun restaurants and nightclubs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Vienna 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 Vienna is $162. 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 Vienna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $14
    Vienna $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $28
    Vienna $200
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Vienna

Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Vienna? 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 Vienna


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: Vienna Hotel Prices.

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

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


  • Bus to Airport
    $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

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

  • 2-in-1 Jewish Museums in Vienna Private Tour with Transfers: $361
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Business Car: $78
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Car: $105
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Van: $106
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna to Vienna Airport VIE by Business Car: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Luxury Car: $96
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Luxury Van: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Minibus: $219
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Business Car: $54
  • Belvedere Palace: Tour with Skip-the-Line/Transfer Options: $54
  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna: $9.52
  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna Airport: $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Vienna?

Prices for flights to both Vienna 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
    Vienna $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $43
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $64
  • Vienna Naschmarket Food Tour: $65
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $68
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner with Folk Music: $70
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $74
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $74
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $84
  • Kursalon New Year's Day Concert with optional Dinner: $87
  • Schnitzel cooking class with Nicole: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $112
    Vienna $41

Tours and Activities in Vienna

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Cultural Heart of the City Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Top of Vienna in One Day: An English Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.87
  • Detective Trail Mystery tour for the whole family: $8.02
  • MAK - Geymüllerschlössel Entry Ticket: $8.02
  • Walking Tour of the MuseumsQuartier with Guide: $8.56
  • Vienna Cathedral District Audio Tour (EN) (NO Ticket): $8.80
  • Walking Around Hofburg Palace In-App Audio Tour (EN): $8.80
  • Capuchins Crypt Entrance Ticket: $9.09

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Vienna $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

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

  • Pub Crawl Vienna: $16
  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $16
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $27
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $34
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $39
  • Viennese Wine Tasting in a Private Hidden Wine Cellar: $39
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $48
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $63
  • Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $74
  • Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $91


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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sochi. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Vienna, 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Vienna. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Sochi is around the same temperature as Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Sochi usually gets more rain in July than Vienna. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Vienna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Sochi is a little warmer than Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sochi in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Sochi. In October, Sochi usually receives more rain than Vienna. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Vienna 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Sochi during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vienna can be very cold. In January, Sochi is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 6°C (44°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in January than Vienna. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Vienna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Vienna. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

Sochi is around the same temperature as Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sochi usually receives more rain than Vienna. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Vienna and Sochi

Sochi Vienna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)