Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Sochi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sochi or Zadar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sochi or Zadar? 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 Zadar?
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.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySochi $60Zadar $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $60, while the average daily cost in Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSochi $14Zadar $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSochi $28Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Sochi or Zadar? 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.
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: Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sochi -Zadar $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
- From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
- From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
- Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
- Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276
- Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
- Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
- Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $107
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $194
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $68
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
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Food Meals for one daySochi $17Zadar $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Small Group Cooking Class: $39
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sochi $112Zadar $20
Tours and Activities in Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Old Town Walking Tour: $16
- Zadar historical guided tour: $16
- Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
- Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
- Guided City Walking Tour: $21
- The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
- Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
- Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
- Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySochi -Zadar $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
- Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
- Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sochi and Zadar, we can see that Zadar 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 Zadar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zadar 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 Zadar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sochi or Zadar?
Sochi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Sochi and Zadar, 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 Zadar?
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 Zadar in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Zadar. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
Sochi is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
In July, Sochi usually receives more rain than Zadar. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySochi 23°C (73°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Zadar in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Zadar. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sochi is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sochi in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Sochi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sochi usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSochi 16°C (60°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Zadar in the Winter?
Both Zadar and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Sochi is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 6°C (44°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
It's quite rainy in Sochi. In January, Sochi usually receives more rain than Zadar. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySochi 6°C (44°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Sochi or Zadar in the Spring?
Both Zadar and Sochi during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Sochi is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSochi 13°C (55°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Sochi
| Sochi | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (44°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (45°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.