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

Should you visit Sochi or Warsaw?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Warsaw? 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 Warsaw?

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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.


Which place is cheaper, Warsaw 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 Warsaw is $93. 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 Warsaw in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $14
    Warsaw $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $28
    Warsaw $102
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Warsaw

Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Warsaw? 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 Warsaw


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: Warsaw Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Warsaw $4.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

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

  • Airport Transfer (Warsaw ⇄ Krakow): $142
  • Airport Transfer: Warsaw Airport WAW to Warsaw by Business Car: $65
  • Airport Transfer: Warsaw Airport WAW to Warsaw by Luxury Van: $73
  • Arrival Transfer: Chopin Airport WAW to Warsaw by Van: $71
  • Arrival Transfer: Warsaw Airport WAW to Warsaw by Luxury Van: $73
  • Chopin Airport One–Way Limousine Transfer: $248
  • Indoor Paintball with Hotel Transfers: $55
  • Luxury Warsaw Chopin Airport Transfer by private Minivan car: $89
  • ONEWAY Private Warsaw Chopin Airport(WAW) to/from Warsaw Transfer: $24
  • Premium Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Warsaw Chopin Airport: $65
  • Private Departure Transfer: Warsaw Chopin Airport: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Warsaw?

Prices for flights to both Warsaw 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
    Warsaw $27

Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

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

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $17
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $92
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $94
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $112
    Warsaw $7.00

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Walking Audio Tour of Wilanów Palace Grounds: $5.20
  • Uncover Historic Marvels of In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
  • Old Town Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Warsaw Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.00
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Smartphone Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket: $11
  • Warsaw Old Town In-App Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $12
  • Traditional Galar Cruise on The Vistula River: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Warsaw $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176


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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Warsaw?

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

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 Warsaw in the Summer?

Both Warsaw and Sochi during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Sochi is generally a little warmer than Warsaw. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 23°C (73°F), and Warsaw fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Sochi usually gets more rain in July than Warsaw. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Warsaw in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Warsaw. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sochi is much warmer than Warsaw in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Warsaw fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sochi usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Warsaw in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Warsaw. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year.

It's quite cold in Warsaw in the winter. In the winter, Sochi is much warmer than Warsaw. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sochi in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Warsaw averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Sochi receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sochi usually gets more rain in January than Warsaw. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Warsaw in the Spring?

Both Warsaw and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Sochi is generally a little warmer than Warsaw. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 13°C (55°F), and Warsaw fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Sochi. In April, Sochi usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Warsaw and Sochi

Sochi Warsaw
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)