Which place is cheaper, Plzen or Basel?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Basel or Plzen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Plzen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Basel or Plzen?
Basel
Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.
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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.
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Basel Prices
Switzerland PricesPlzen Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBasel $326Plzen $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Basel is $326, while the average daily cost in Plzen 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Basel and Plzen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBasel $166Plzen $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBasel $332Plzen $140
Compare Hotels in Basel and Plzen
Looking for a hotel in Basel 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.
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: Basel Hotel Prices and Plzen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Basel $53Plzen $9.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:
- Freiburg: Bus transfer from/to Basel Euro Airport: $31
- Basel to Basel Airpor (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Basel - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $119
- Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $119
- Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $119
- Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $119
- Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Luxury Van: $124
- Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) by MB Van: $124
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Feldberg Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $126
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $131
- Private Transfer Service from Basel to Basel Airport: $137
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:
- Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $96
- Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $127
- Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $296
Is it cheaper to fly into Basel or Plzen?
Prices for flights to both Plzen and Basel 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
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Food Meals for one dayBasel $123Plzen $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Basel
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Basel.
- Self-Guided Food Tour: $49
- Traditional Swiss Dinner: Cheese Fondue, Appetizers/Dessert: $163
- Cooking Class: Homemade Italian Lasagna Experience by Locals: $189
- Family-Style Italian Pizza Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $189
- Cheese, Chocolate and Pastry Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Basel $43Plzen $25
Tours and Activities in Basel
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $3.14
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $3.20
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.29
- Basel's Portrait Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.44
- Basel Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.49
- Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.97
- Basel Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.97
- Basel Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Basel Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
- Swiss Cheese Tasting Experience | Basel: $12
- The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Local Cheese Tasting Tour with a Cheese Sommelier: $13
Tours and Activities in Plzen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:
- An Audio Tour of the City of Beer: Pilsen's History and Legends: $8.99
- Experience Pilsen through Digital Audio Guide in English: $11
- Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBasel $38Plzen $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Basel
Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Alsace wine tour & medieval villages small group guided tour: $358
Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:
- Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $118
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Plzen, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Plzen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plzen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plzen 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Plzen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basel Expensive? and Is Plzen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Basel or Plzen?
Basel has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Plzen. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel or Plzen?
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 Basel or Plzen in the Summer?
Both Plzen and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.
In July, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Plzen. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Plzen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Plzen. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBasel 21°C (70°F)Plzen 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Basel or Plzen in the Autumn?
Both Plzen and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Basel is a little warmer than Plzen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.
Basel usually gets more rain in October than Plzen. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBasel 13°C (56°F)Plzen 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Basel or Plzen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Plzen. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Plzen can be very cold during winter. Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Basel is much warmer than Plzen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Plzen averages at about -1°C (31°F).
Basel usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Plzen. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBasel 3°C (37°F)Plzen -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Basel or Plzen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Plzen. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Plzen. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Plzen. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.
Basel usually gets more rain in April than Plzen. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBasel 12°C (53°F)Plzen 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Plzen and Basel
| Basel | Plzen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.