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

Should you visit Riga or Wroclaw?

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

Should I visit Riga or Wroclaw? 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 Wroclaw?

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.

Wroclaw

Wroclaw still remains mostly undiscovered to travelers. It's the largest city and capital of Lower Silesian Voivodeship. It is also a historical capital of Silesia with a very rich history. The city's population is around 630,000 and there are over a million people in the metropolitan area. It's the fourth largest city in Poland and has an economy that is centered around manufacturing, banking, industry, tourism, and cultural events. The area has some unique architecture, beautiful rivers, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city has witnessed much turmoil, particularly during World War II and the years following. Today it has been beautifully restored and should be considered a highlight of a trip to Poland. Now is the time to visit, because as Poland gains ground within Europe, prices are sure to rise and the crowds will discover this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, and The Best Budget Tours to Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Wroclaw 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 Wroclaw is €38. 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 Wroclaw in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 52
    Wroclaw 15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 104
    Wroclaw 30
Compare Hotels in Riga and Wroclaw

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Wroclaw? 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 Wroclaw


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 Wroclaw Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 9.63
    Wroclaw 5.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $43
  • Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan: $51
  • Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
  • Transfer from Riga center to Airport: $53
  • Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga Old city: $53
  • Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $57
  • Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $57
  • Private Transfer to anywhere in Riga Center: $60
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $60
  • Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $68
  • Private transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga city by Car or Van: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wroclaw

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Wroclaw:

  • Private Transfer from Wroclaw Airport WRO to Wroclaw City: $38
  • Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Kąty Wrocławskie city: $43
  • Archery Tag with Private Hotel Transfers: $60
  • Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Kuraszków city: $99
  • Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Gmina Olawa city: $104
  • Private Transfer from Swidnica city to Wroclaw (WRO) Airport: $115
  • Private Transfer from Wroclaw (WRO) Airport to Swidnica city: $119
  • Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Brzeg city: $137
  • #1 Bestseller Gun Shooting Package with Hotel Transfers Wroclaw: $154
  • Private Transfer from Wroclaw (WRO) Airport to Legnica city: $154
  • Private Transfer from Wroclaw to Warsaw with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $196
  • Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Duszniki-Zdrój city: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Wroclaw?

Prices for flights to both Wroclaw 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
    Wroclaw 18
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

Typical Food Prices in Wroclaw

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


  • Coffee & Sandwich
    2.81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 14
    Wroclaw 5.37

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

Tours and Activities in Wroclaw

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

  • Wrocław’s Old Town: A Self-Guided History Tour: $8.99
  • Private Quick Wrocław Walking Tour of Old Town: $17
  • Museum of Illusions Wroclaw Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Small Group Boat Tour in Wroclaw : $24
  • Wroclaw, 1- hour or 2-hours Group Tour by Electric Car: $24
  • Old Town Wrocław Walking Tour: $26
  • Guided Walking Tour in Wroclaw: $29
  • III Reich & WW2 in Wroclaw. Monday, Wendsday, Friday regular tour: $35
  • Wroclaw Private Walking Tour with a Local: $36
  • Wroclaw Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $42
  • The Mysterious Wroclaw – Evening Tour with Thrills (2 h): $50
  • Wroclaw private tour with beer tasting, 2 hours (small group): $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Wroclaw 5.61

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Wroclaw

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Wroclaw:


  • A Couple Beers
    3.05

Sample the Local Flavors in Wroclaw

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

  • Wroclaw Pub Crawl : $25
  • Pub Crawl Wroclaw with 1 hour Unlimited Drinks and free shots: $29


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

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


Which is Bigger, Riga or Wroclaw?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Wroclaw. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Wroclaw, 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 Wroclaw?

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 Wroclaw in the Summer?

Both Wroclaw and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

In the summer, Riga is around the same temperature as Wroclaw. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Wroclaw averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In July, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wroclaw. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Wroclaw 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Riga or Wroclaw in the Autumn?

Both Wroclaw and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Riga is generally cooler than Wroclaw. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Wroclaw fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Wroclaw. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Wroclaw 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Riga or Wroclaw in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Wroclaw. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wroclaw can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. Riga is much colder than Wroclaw in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Wroclaw fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Wroclaw. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Wroclaw -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Riga or Wroclaw in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Wroclaw. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Wroclaw. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Wroclaw averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Wroclaw. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Wroclaw 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Wroclaw and Riga

Riga Wroclaw
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 0°C (33°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)