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

Should you visit Zagreb or Maribor?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zagreb and Maribor. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Zagreb or Maribor?

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Maribor or Zagreb?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zagreb is $82, 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 Zagreb and Maribor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zagreb $51
    Maribor $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zagreb $102
    Maribor $94
Compare Hotels in Zagreb and Maribor

Looking for a hotel in Zagreb 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 Zagreb


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: Zagreb Hotel Prices and Maribor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zagreb $9.69
    Maribor $9.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Airport Zagreb Transfer and Shuttle : $98
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City by Business Car: $47
  • Departure Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Airport ZAG by Minivan: $66
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • From Sarajevo: One-Way Transfer to Zagreb & Plitvice Lakes: $428
  • From Split: Transfer to Zagreb with Stop at Plitvice Lakes: $149
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
  • From Transfer to Split & Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $159
  • Guided transfer from Zagreb to Split with Plitvice Lakes stop: $152
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $40
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb Airport to Hotels and Vice Versa: $87
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $43

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Zagreb or Maribor?

Prices for flights to both Maribor and Zagreb 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
    Zagreb $18
    Maribor $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952

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.
    Zagreb $13
    Maribor $9.18

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.49
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
  • Small-Group Walking Highlights Tour: $16
  • City Walking Tour w/ Funicular Ride and WW2 Tunnels: $19
  • City Walking Tour with Funicular Ride & WW2 Tunnels: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zagreb $9.49
    Maribor $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208

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 comparing the travel costs between Zagreb and Maribor, we can see that Zagreb 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 Zagreb Expensive? and Is Maribor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Maribor?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb 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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb or Maribor in the Summer?

Both Maribor and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zagreb is around the same temperature as Maribor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zagreb in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Maribor averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Maribor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. Zagreb usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor during summer. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zagreb usually receives around the same amount of rain as Maribor. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F) 
    Maribor 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Zagreb or Maribor in the Autumn?

Both Maribor and Zagreb during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In October, Zagreb is generally around the same temperature as Maribor. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 13°C (55°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Zagreb often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Maribor. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Zagreb or Maribor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Maribor. Many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Maribor can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. Zagreb is around the same temperature as Maribor in the winter. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 1°C (35°F) in January, and Maribor fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Zagreb usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor during winter. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zagreb usually receives around the same amount of rain as Maribor. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F) 
    Maribor 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Zagreb or Maribor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Maribor. Many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Zagreb is around the same temperature as Maribor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zagreb in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Maribor averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Zagreb often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Maribor. Zagreb gets 65 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
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Maribor and Zagreb

Zagreb Maribor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)