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

Should you visit Sochi or Villach?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Villach? 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 Villach?

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.

Villach

Located on the Drava River in the Austrian province of Carinthia, near the Italian and Slovenian borders, the city of Villach is known as a gateway to nearby lakes Faak and Ossiach, as well as the Villach Alps. Hiking and water sports are common in the surrounding area, as well as historic sight-seeing and enjoying the picturesque town center called Altstadt.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sochi or Villach?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Villach. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

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

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

Should I visit Sochi or Villach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Villach. Additionally, many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

Should I visit Sochi or Villach in the Winter?

Both Villach and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Villach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

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

Should I visit Sochi or Villach in the Spring?

Both Villach and Sochi during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sochi is around the same temperature as Villach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sochi in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Villach 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 Villach. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Villach and Sochi