A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Kosice for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Riga or Kosice?

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

Should I visit Riga or Kosice? 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: Riga or Kosice?

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

Kosice

Founded in the 13th century, Kosice today is the second largest city in Slovakia featuring churches, cathedrals, and fortifications which speak to its roots as a center of activity during the Middle Ages. Some of its top attractions include the city's historical center, Singing Fountain, and Cathedral of Saint Elizabeth.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises in Slovakia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Slovakia.


Which place is cheaper, Kosice or Riga?

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 Riga is €122, while the average daily cost in Kosice is €168. 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 Riga and Kosice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 52
    Kosice 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 104
    Kosice 146
Compare Hotels in Riga and Kosice

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Kosice? 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 Riga


Hotels in Kosice


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: Riga Hotel Prices and Kosice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 9.63
    Kosice 29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $563
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $503
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $468
  • 4x4 Off-Road Adventure with Hotel Transfers: $258
  • From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $164
  • Riga Gun Experience: Roundtrip Transfer and 4 Firearms: $163
  • Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $137
  • Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $90
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $78
  • Riga City to Riga Airport (RIX) - Private Transfer.: $75
  • Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga City - Private Transfer.: $75
  • Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Kosice?

Prices for flights to both Kosice and Riga 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
    Riga 57
    Kosice 73
Typical Food Prices in Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

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

  • Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group: $41
  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $53
  • Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $70
  • Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
  • Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 14
    Kosice 24

Tours and Activities in Riga

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

  • Kid-Friendly Riga Private Guided Tour for Families : $265
  • 2.5-Hour Riga Cruiser Bike Tour: $88
  • 3-Hour Private Paintball Game Experience in Zīles: $94
  • 5,5 Hour Small Group Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $90
  • Admission Ticket to Live Silver Museum: $13
  • Aeroplane Flight Experience: $80
  • Aeroplane Flight Experience: $81
  • An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $6.99
  • Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
  • Bachelorette Party Adventure's Organization: $46
  • Beer Bike Experience : $45
  • Best of Riga Private Walking Tour: $477

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Kosice 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

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

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
  • Riga Pub Crawl: $41
  • Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
  • Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
  • Latvian Brewery Visit and Beer Tasting : $54
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $59
  • Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $76
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94
  • Shooting Range and Old Town Pub Crawl: $106


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Kosice, we can see that Kosice is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga 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 Kosice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kosice than you might in Riga.

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


Which is Bigger, Riga or Kosice?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kosice. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Kosice, 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 Riga or Kosice?

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 Riga or Kosice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Kosice. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

In July, Riga is generally cooler than Kosice. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Kosice fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kosice. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Kosice 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Riga or Kosice in the Autumn?

Both Kosice and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Riga is cooler than Kosice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Kosice fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Kosice. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Kosice 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Riga or Kosice in the Winter?

Both Kosice and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kosice can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Kosice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Kosice averages at about -2°C (28°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in January than Kosice. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Kosice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Riga or Kosice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Kosice. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Kosice. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Kosice fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Kosice. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Kosice 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Kosice and Riga

Riga Kosice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 1°C (33°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 0°C (32°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)