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

Should you visit Riga or Linkoping?

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

Should I visit Riga or Linkoping? 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 Linkoping?

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.

Linkoping

Linkoping is in the northern portion of the Gotaland region and is the capital of Ostergotland county. The city has all of the amenities of a larger city, but manages to maintain the feel and atmosphere of a quaint small town. This is mainly due to the lack of tall buildings within the city limits. Building height is restricted by the nearby military airfield, so Linkoping has a cosy ambiance that leads you to believe that you're somewhere hidden away. The university that is located here also helps create the feel of a college town. The students are well integrated into city life and help bring energy and entertainment to town, both in the form of cultural events during the day as well and an active night life in the evening.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Linkoping 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 Linkoping is €136. 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 Linkoping in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 52
    Linkoping 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 104
    Linkoping 106
Compare Hotels in Riga and Linkoping

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Linkoping? 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 Linkoping


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 9.63
    Linkoping 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan: $51
  • Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $68
  • From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $164
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $563
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $503
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $468
  • Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $90
  • Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $78
  • Private Transfer to anywhere in Riga Center: $60
  • Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $138

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Linkoping?

Prices for flights to both Linkoping 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
    Linkoping 68
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
  • Exclusive Igloo for Lunches, Dinners and Events: $72
  • Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
  • Pizza Making Master Class in Riga: $251
  • Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252

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

Tours and Activities in Riga

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

  • An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $6.99
  • Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $8.21
  • Canal Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $8.21
  • Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.38
  • Old Town Electrobus Tour + Audio Guide & Drink: $9.38
  • Riga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
  • Riga Canal and Daugava Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $9.58
  • Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink: $10
  • Rowing boats and Pedal boat rental - River Cruises Latvia: $11
  • Riga English Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $11
  • Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Drink and Audio Guide: $11
  • Riga Golden Autumn Canal & River Cruise | River Cruises LV: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Linkoping 19

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
  • Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Riga: $35
  • Riga Pub Crawl: $41
  • Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
  • Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $59
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $59
  • Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $77
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94


When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Linkoping, we can see that Linkoping 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Linkoping Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Riga or Linkoping?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Linkoping. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Linkoping, 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 Linkoping?

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 Riga or Linkoping in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Linkoping. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally around the same temperature as Linkoping. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Linkoping fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Linkoping. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Linkoping receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Linkoping 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Riga or Linkoping in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Linkoping. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

Riga is around the same temperature as Linkoping in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Linkoping fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Linkoping. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Linkoping receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Linkoping 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Riga or Linkoping in the Winter?

Both Linkoping and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Linkoping can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Linkoping. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Linkoping averages at about -3°C (28°F).

In January, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Linkoping. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Linkoping receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Linkoping -3°C (28°F)

Should I visit Riga or Linkoping in the Spring?

Both Linkoping and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Riga is generally around the same temperature as Linkoping. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Linkoping fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in April than Linkoping. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Linkoping receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Linkoping 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Linkoping and Riga

Riga Linkoping
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -3°C (28°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -3°C (27°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -1°C (30°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)