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

Should you visit Debrecen or Cologne?

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

Should I visit Debrecen or Cologne? 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: Debrecen or Cologne?

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.

Cologne

Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Hungary, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Cologne or Debrecen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Debrecen is $93, while the average daily cost in Cologne is $232. 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 Debrecen and Cologne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Debrecen $37
    Cologne $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Debrecen $74
    Cologne $214
Compare Hotels in Debrecen and Cologne

Looking for a hotel in Debrecen or Cologne? 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 Debrecen


Hotels in Cologne


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: Debrecen Hotel Prices and Cologne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Debrecen $12
    Cologne $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Cologne Bonn CGN Airport to Hotels Private Transfer: $37
  • Cologne CGN Airpot to Köln | Bonn | Dusseldorf Private Transfer: $42
  • Departure Private Transfer Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne by Car: $72
  • Arrival Transfer Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Sedan: $72
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
  • Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $91
  • Private Limousine Transfer from Cologne Airport to Cologne City: $108
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $155
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Debrecen or Cologne?

Prices for flights to both Cologne and Debrecen 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
    Debrecen $45
    Cologne $102

Typical Food Prices in Cologne

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


  • Dinner
    $16
  • Donner Kebab
    $4.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Debrecen $19
    Cologne $24

Tours and Activities in Cologne

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

  • Walking tour of The essential and unmissable: $3.57
  • The Dark Side of the Dom Tour: $3.58
  • Cologne Highlights, Stories, and Local Atmosphere Tour: $3.58
  • Cologne Cathedral tour audio guide with mobile app: $4.92
  • Cologne Walking Tour from Roman Era to World War 2 with an App : $6.93
  • Aachen Cathedral tour with audioguide on mobile app: $6.93
  • Cologne Walking Tour with Audioguide: City and Cathedral: $8.35
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.36
  • Cologne Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • Cologne Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.55
  • Aachen Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Debrecen $10
    Cologne $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:

  • Old Town Walking Tour with 1 Brewery Visit & 1 Beer: $21
  • Informative and fun brewery tour in German, public: $23
  • Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $24
  • Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $24
  • Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $24
  • Brewery tour in Cologne including a variety of tastings: $29
  • South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $29
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Cologne - Shots and Party!: $30
  • Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $32
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $33
  • Kölsch Brewery Tour with 3 Beers Included: $33
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Debrecen and Cologne, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Debrecen Expensive? and Is Cologne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Debrecen or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Debrecen. When comparing the sizes of Debrecen and Cologne, 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 Debrecen or Cologne?

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 Debrecen or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Debrecen and Cologne. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

Debrecen is around the same temperature as Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Debrecen averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Debrecen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Debrecen usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Debrecen gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Cologne. Debrecen gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Debrecen 20°C (68°F) 
    Cologne 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Debrecen as well as Cologne. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Debrecen is around the same temperature as Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Debrecen in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Debrecen gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.

Debrecen usually gets less rain in October than Cologne. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F) 
    Cologne 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Debrecen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Debrecen. In January, Debrecen is generally much colder than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Debrecen average around -2°C (28°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Debrecen usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Debrecen gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Cologne. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Debrecen -2°C (28°F) 
    Cologne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Debrecen during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Debrecen is around the same temperature as Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Debrecen averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Debrecen gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.

Debrecen usually gets less rain in April than Cologne. Debrecen gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F) 
    Cologne 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cologne and Debrecen

Debrecen Cologne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)