A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Stuttgart vs. Heidelberg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Stuttgart or Heidelberg?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart or Heidelberg? 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: Stuttgart or Heidelberg?

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a large city in southern Germany, notably famous for being the headquarters to some auto industry giants such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The population of the city proper is about 600,000 and there are two and half million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to the 10th century and today it is a large city that still maintains a small town vibe. The local residents are quite friendly and eager to welcome you to their city. They are also very accommodating if you do not speak German, so you can always expect a little help with translation if it is needed.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

Which city is cheaper, Heidelberg or Stuttgart?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is €164, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is €142. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Stuttgart and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stuttgart 101
    Heidelberg 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stuttgart 202
    Heidelberg 186
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart or Heidelberg? 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 Stuttgart


Hotels in Heidelberg


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Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Stuttgart Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stuttgart 25
    Heidelberg 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

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

  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Frankfurt am Main International Airport to Stuttgart City - One Way: $694
  • Private transfer from Stuttgart to Europa Park (Rust) or the opposite way: $485
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Memmingen Allgau Airport to Stuttgart City - One Way: $388
  • Private transfer from Stuttgart to Baden-Baden or the opposite way: $348
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Mannheim-City Airport to Stuttgart City - One Way: $337
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Karlsruhe Baden-Baden Airport to Stuttgart City - One Way: $297
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $208
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart Airport STR to Heidelberg City by Minivan: $207
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart Airport to Stuttgart City: $100
  • Private Airport Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart International Airport (STR) to Stuttgart: $81
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart International Airport (STR): $81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • Private Transfer from Hotel in Heidelberg City to Frankfurt Airport: $362
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Stuttgart Airport STR by Minivan: $207
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Frankfurt Airport FRA by Minivan: $131
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Mannheim-City Airport to Heidelberg City - One Way: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Stuttgart or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Stuttgart 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
    Stuttgart 37
    Heidelberg 37
Typical Food prices in Stuttgart

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


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stuttgart

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

  • Stuttgart - wine and food tour with city highlights: $288

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stuttgart 24
    Heidelberg 11

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

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

  • Bad Cannstatt: Automobile Pioneers Tour in German: $25
  • Black Forest & Autobahn Driving Holiday - 560 KM - Self-Drive Tour: $2,186
  • Mercedes-Benz Arena: VfB Stuttgart Stadium Tour: $12
  • Panoramics of Stuttgart . City Tour: $111
  • Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $39
  • Stuttgart Private Walking Tour: $226
  • 1.5-Hour City Highlights Segway Tour: $57
  • Guided Glühwein Tour: $36
  • Guided Segway Tour: $89
  • Winter Tour in a Covered Wagon: $28

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

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

  • 3-Day Self-Drive Overnight Tour of Heidelberg, Schwetzingen and Maulbronn from Heidelberg: $299
  • 5-Day Overnight Coach Tour from Heidelberg to Munich: $445
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $36
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $123
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $81
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $57
  • Black Forest Day Tour: $372
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $86
  • Exclusive Private Tour of Heidelberg.: $305
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg: $48
  • From Frankfurt: Heidelberg & Baden-Baden Full-Day Tour: $281
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $293

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stuttgart 22
    Heidelberg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • From Wine Tour to Bad Cannstatt: $36
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $36
  • Sparkling Wine Tour with Breakfast in a Vineyard: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Stuttgart and Heidelberg, we can see that Stuttgart is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Stuttgart or Heidelberg?

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 Stuttgart or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Heidelberg. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

Stuttgart is around the same temperature as Heidelberg in the summer. The temperature in Stuttgart is usually 22°C (71°F) in July, and Heidelberg stays around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In Stuttgart, it's very sunny this time of the year. Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during summer. Stuttgart gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In the autumn, Stuttgart is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stuttgart in October are around 13°C (56°F), and Heidelberg is about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Stuttgart often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Stuttgart gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets less rain in October than Heidelberg. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F) 
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. It's quite cold in Stuttgart in the winter. In January, Stuttgart is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Temperatures in Stuttgart average around 3°C (38°F), and Heidelberg stays around 3°C (37°F).

Stuttgart usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Stuttgart gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Stuttgart during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Stuttgart is around the same temperature as Heidelberg in the spring. The temperature in Stuttgart is usually 11°C (53°F) in April, and Heidelberg stays around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Stuttgart often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Stuttgart gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Heidelberg. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Stuttgart

Stuttgart Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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Stuttgart vs. Heidelberg Travel Comparison

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