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

Should you visit Tartu or Plzen?

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 Plzen 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 Plzen?

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.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen 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 Plzen 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 Tartu and Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Plzen 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Plzen 114
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Tartu or Plzen? 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 Plzen


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 Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Plzen 7.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $271
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $116
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen 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
    Plzen 29
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
    Plzen 20
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

Tours and Activities in Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $250
  • Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.74
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.56
  • Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $32
  • Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Plzen 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.55
  • Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $108
  • Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $140
  • Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks: $207


When comparing the travel costs between Tartu and Plzen, we can see that Tartu 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.

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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Plzen?

Plzen has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Plzen, 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 Plzen?

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 Plzen in the Summer?

Both Plzen and Tartu during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tartu because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is cooler than Plzen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Plzen averages at about 20°C (67°F).

In Plzen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in July than Plzen. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Plzen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Plzen. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Plzen during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives more rain than Plzen. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Plzen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Plzen. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Plzen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. Tartu is much colder than Plzen in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Plzen. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in January than Plzen. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Plzen in the Spring?

Both Plzen and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tartu in the spring for the natural beauty.

Tartu can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Plzen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plzen. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Tartu

Tartu Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)