A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Debrecen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tartu or Debrecen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Debrecen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Tartu or Debrecen?

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

Debrecen

Finding its beginning as a collection of agricultural villages, Debrecen has grown to become the second largest city in Hungary as well as the regional center for the Northern Great Plain region. Highlights include the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen, Hortobagy National Park, Deri Museum, and the Debrecen Zoo and Botanical Garden.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Hungary, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Debrecen or Tartu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €105, while the average daily cost in Debrecen is €62. 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 Tartu and Debrecen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Debrecen 31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Debrecen 62
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Debrecen

Looking for a hotel in Tartu or Debrecen? 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 Tartu


Hotels in Debrecen


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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Debrecen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Debrecen 10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Debrecen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Debrecen:

  • Debrecen - Budapest Transfer: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Debrecen?

Prices for flights to both Debrecen and Tartu 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
    Tartu 37
    Debrecen 22
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

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


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Debrecen 16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

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

  • European Capital of Culture 2024 - Cycling Tour: $14
  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $27
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR & KENNEL VISIT: $75
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Walking Tour: $127
  • Charming Viljandi Walking Tour for Couples: $142
  • Spectacular Christmas Walking Tour in Viljandi: $199
  • Traditional Christmas Walking Tour in Tartu: $234

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Debrecen 8.66


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Debrecen, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is Debrecen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Debrecen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Debrecen 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu than you might in Debrecen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tartu Expensive? and Is Debrecen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Debrecen?

Debrecen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Debrecen, 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 Tartu or Debrecen?

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 Tartu or Debrecen in the Summer?

Both Debrecen and Tartu during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences.

Tartu is cooler than Debrecen in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Debrecen fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Debrecen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Debrecen. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Debrecen receives 282 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Debrecen. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Debrecen 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Debrecen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Debrecen. Many visitors come to Tartu in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tartu is much colder than Debrecen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Debrecen averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Debrecen during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Debrecen receives 160 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives more rain than Debrecen. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Debrecen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Debrecen. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Debrecen can be very cold. Tartu can be very cold during winter. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Debrecen. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Debrecen fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Debrecen. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Debrecen receives 55 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Debrecen. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Debrecen -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Debrecen in the Spring?

Both Debrecen and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tartu because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. Tartu is much colder than Debrecen in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Debrecen fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Debrecen during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Debrecen receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Debrecen. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Debrecen receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Debrecen and Tartu

Tartu Debrecen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 0°C (32°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)