Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Ankara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ankara or Sarajevo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ankara and Sarajevo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Ankara or Sarajevo?
Ankara
Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAnkara $116Sarajevo $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Ankara is $116, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $70. 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 Ankara and Sarajevo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAnkara $57Sarajevo $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAnkara $114Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Ankara and Sarajevo
Looking for a hotel in Ankara or Sarajevo? 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.
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: Ankara Hotel Prices and Sarajevo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ankara $37Sarajevo $7.02
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:
-
Metro Ride$0.04
-
Short Taxi Ride$0.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
- Private transfer: Ankara to Ankara Airport (ESB): $39
- Private transfer: Ankara Airport (ESB) to Ankara: $39
- Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town: $185
- Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $109
- Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $109
- Ankara Private Departure Transfer from City hotels to Airport: $60
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $64
- Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $71
- Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
-
Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
- Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
- One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
- Private Sarajevo Airport Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $142
- Private Transfer from Hrasnica to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $68
- Private Transfer from Konjic to Mostar Airport (OMO): $174
- Private Transfer from Konjic to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $155
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bojnik : $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Ankara or Sarajevo?
Prices for flights to both Sarajevo and Ankara 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 dayAnkara $32Sarajevo $31
Typical Food Prices in Ankara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:
-
A Quick Lunch$0.36
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ankara $34Sarajevo $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara
Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Underground City$0.25
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour: $48
- Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ) : $33
- Ankara Private Walking Tour: $267
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $218
- Family-Friendly Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.00
- Inns and Baths City Sightseeing Mobile Audio Guide: $6.00
- Private Tour with a Local: $37
- Private Walking tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $32
- Quick Tour, Essentials of Ankara: $6.00
- From Konya and Cappdocia Tour (3 Days-2 Nights): $440
- Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $215
- Istanbul: Golden Horn & Bosphorus Day Cruise: $165
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
National Museum (for 2)$7.64
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
- Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
- Grand Walking Tour: $16
- Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
- HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
- SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
- Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
- Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
- Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
- Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
- Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAnkara $15Sarajevo $7.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo
Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ankara and Sarajevo, we can see that Ankara is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Ankara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ankara than you might in Sarajevo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ankara Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ankara or Sarajevo?
Ankara has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Ankara and Sarajevo, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.