A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zadar vs. Maribor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zadar or Maribor?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Maribor? 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: Zadar or Maribor?

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.

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Maribor or Zadar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is $95, while the average daily cost in Maribor is $81. 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 Zadar and Maribor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zadar $54
    Maribor $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zadar $108
    Maribor $94
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Maribor

Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Maribor? 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 Zadar


Hotels in Maribor


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 and Maribor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zadar $10
    Maribor $9.35

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Maribor

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Maribor:


  • Gondola (for 2)
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maribor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maribor:

  • Private transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana city: $250
  • Private Transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Maribor?

Prices for flights to both Maribor and Zadar 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
    Zadar $30
    Maribor $28

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

Typical Food Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Maribor:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $26
  • Gostilnica Navogalu Cafe Lunch
    $8.04

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zadar $20
    Maribor $9.18

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zadar $12
    Maribor $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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Maribor:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zadar and Maribor, we can see that Zadar is more expensive. And not only is Maribor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maribor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maribor 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 Maribor.

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


Which is Bigger, Zadar or Maribor?

Maribor has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Maribor, 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 Zadar or Maribor?

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 Zadar or Maribor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Maribor. Most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zadar is a little warmer than Maribor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zadar in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Maribor averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maribor this time of the year. In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during summer. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zadar usually receives less rain than Maribor. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zadar 26°C (80°F) 
    Maribor 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Maribor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Maribor. The autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zadar is generally a little warmer than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 18°C (64°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in October than Maribor. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zadar 18°C (64°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Maribor in the Winter?

Both Maribor and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Maribor. Zadar is much warmer than Maribor in the winter. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Maribor fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during winter. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zadar usually receives more rain than Maribor. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zadar 8°C (47°F) 
    Maribor 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Maribor in the Spring?

Both Maribor and Zadar during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zadar is a little warmer than Maribor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zadar in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Maribor averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the spring, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Maribor. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zadar 15°C (59°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Maribor and Zadar

Zadar Maribor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)