A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Albufeira or Podgorica?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Podgorica? 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: Albufeira or Podgorica?

Albufeira

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Albufeira?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €148, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is €105. 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 Albufeira and Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Podgorica 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Podgorica 92
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Podgorica? 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 Albufeira


Hotels in Podgorica


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: Albufeira Hotel Prices and Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Podgorica 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $27
  • Transfer Alcantarilha - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
  • Transfer Galé - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
  • Private Transfer from Résidence Pierre Vilamoura to Faro (FAO) Airport: $38
  • Transfer Silves - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Stork Transfers - Private Transfer From Albufeira to Faro Airport (up to 4 pax): $45
  • Transfer Tavira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $47
  • Private Transfer from Villa Guerreiro (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax: $49
  • Transfer Silves - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Private Transfer from Ferreiras to Faro (FAO) Airport: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
  • Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
  • Private Transfer to Budva: $39
  • Private transfer to Kotor: $53
  • Private transfer to Tivat: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $68
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $262
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica and Albufeira 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
    Albufeira 48
    Podgorica 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira

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

  • A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
  • Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
  • Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
  • Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
  • Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
  • Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Podgorica 21

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

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

  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
  • Old Town History Walking Tour with Drink: $20
  • Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $21
  • Authentic Algarve: Loulé Town Tour and Markets: $21
  • Albufeira Old Town: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Albufeira The Strip: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Albufeira: $22
  • 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
  • Algarve Wines Tasting Shared Experience at Mercado Municipal de Silves: $27
  • Tour to Benagil Caves and Coastline in Albufeira: $29
  • Private Guided Tuk Tuk Tour with pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira : $30

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

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

  • Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.17
  • Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
  • Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
  • Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
  • Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
  • From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Podgorica 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

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

  • Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
  • Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $58
  • Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
  • Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
  • Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
  • Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
  • Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
  • From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
  • Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $107

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $77
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
  • Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196


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

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


Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Podgorica?

Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Podgorica, 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 Albufeira or Podgorica?

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 Albufeira or Podgorica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Podgorica. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Albufeira is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 25°C (78°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Podgorica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Podgorica. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Albufeira is a little warmer than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Albufeira usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Podgorica in the Winter?

Both Podgorica and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Albufeira is much warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Albufeira in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In January, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Podgorica in the Spring?

Both Podgorica and Albufeira during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Albufeira is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 15°C (60°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Albufeira

Albufeira Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)