A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Sofia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Antalya or Sofia?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Sofia? 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: Antalya or Sofia?

Antalya

Antalya is the largest city along Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the eighth largest city in the country with over one million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to about 200 BC when it was settled by the Attalid Dynasty of Pergamon and soon conquered by the Romans. The city was ruled by several different groups and most recently was transferred to Italian suzerainty following World War I. It became part of Turkey following the War of Independence. The city has seen an influx of development in recent years and it has grown into a tourism mecca with more than 12 million visitors in 2014.

Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and also its largest city. Some people have tried to compare it to Budapest, but the cities are actually quite different. In Sofia you will find wonderful European style architecture intertwined with Communist style buildings. It's fascinating to see the two dramatically different building styles immediately next to each other. There are also many Orthodox Churches around town, with their beautiful domes and intricate details.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Sofia or Antalya?

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 Antalya is $156, while the average daily cost in Sofia is $78. 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 Antalya and Sofia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antalya $52
    Sofia $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antalya $104
    Sofia $82
Compare Hotels in Antalya and Sofia

Looking for a hotel in Antalya or Sofia? 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 Antalya


Hotels in Sofia


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: Antalya Hotel Prices and Sofia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antalya $104
    Sofia $8.44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ANTALYA:Private Transfer Cappadocia & Antalya City Center: $536
  • antalya to cappadocia/cappadocia to antalya private transfer: $484
  • Private Transfer from Antalya Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit: $397
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - Limousine: $294
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Serik Transfer - Bus/Coach: $294
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - Bus/Coach: $294
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - SUV: $294
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Manavgat Transfer - Comfort: $294
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kaleici Transfer - Bus/Coach: $292
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Lara Transfer - SUV: $292
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - SUV: $292
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kaleici Transfer - SUV: $292

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia

Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from the Sofia Airport to your hotel in Sofia by VIP Mercedes V class: $66
  • Transfer from Sofia to Stara Zagora: $194
  • Transfer from Sofia to Nessebar: $279
  • Transfer from Sofia to Burgas: $268
  • Transfer from Sofia to Borovets: $83
  • Transfer from Sofia airport to hotel in Sofia OR vice versa: $19
  • Transfer Sofia Airport/city to Plovdiv with a sedan 3+1: $104
  • Private Airport Transfer to Sofia City Center: $31
  • Sofia to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $689
  • Sofia Airport Transfers: $49
  • Sofia Airport Shared Departure Transfer to Borovets: $20
  • Sofia Airport Return Shared Transfers: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Antalya or Sofia?

Prices for flights to both Sofia and Antalya 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
    Antalya $42
    Sofia $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $64
  • Suluada Island Cruise with Dinner and Sunset: $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sofia

For Sofia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Market Food Tour: $47
  • Woman's Market Food Tour&Sofia City Tour: $69
  • Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show: $97
  • Private Traditional Bulgarian Cooking in Central Sofia: $98
  • Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $106
  • Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antalya $43
    Sofia $5.96

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Antalya City Tour: $66
  • Full Day Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch Included: $60
  • Full Day Tour in Altınbeşik Cave and Ürünlü : $109
  • Tour of waterfall (unıque): $71
  • "Tazi Canyon and Rafting: Thrilling Adventure: $49
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya: $70
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya /w Cave Hotel & Balloon Ride: $66
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya With Cave Hotel Overnight: $70
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya with Accommodation: $210
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Antalya: $49
  • 2 in 1 Tour in Antalya Rafting and Buggy Safari Tour with Lunch : $40
  • 3 Different Natural Wonders Waterfall Tours in ANTALYA : $57

Tours and Activities in Sofia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.

  • Belogradchik Rocks & Venetsa cave/Small group bigger experience: $119
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Sofia City and Tasting: $43
  • 3-Hour Private Bulgarian Food Tasting Tour of Sofia: $82
  • 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour: $54
  • Admission Ticket to the Museum of Illusions in Sofia: $21
  • Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $59
  • Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $60
  • Afternoon Delights in Sofia Tour: $75
  • Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $59
  • Belogradchik Full-day Tour from Sofia: $75
  • Belogradchik Rocks Eco Tour from Sofia: $123
  • Boyana Church & Rila Monastery Full-Day Private Tour: $172

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antalya $19
    Sofia $8.45

Sample the Local Flavors in Sofia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sofia:

  • Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl: $19
  • Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars: $20
  • Wine and tapas - Bulgarian's wine tasting experience: $21
  • Wine and Tapas Boutique Bulgarian Wine Tasting : $26
  • Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia: $33
  • Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $59
  • Bulgarian Prime Cuts and Wine Tour: $60
  • Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $66
  • 1-Hour Private Cheese and Wine Tasting in Sofia : $86
  • Melnik Wine Tour: $149
  • From Full-Day Plovdiv Tour including Wine Tasting: $149
  • Plovdiv and Wine Tasting Day Tour from Sofia: $152


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

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


Which is Bigger, Antalya or Sofia?

Sofia has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Sofia, 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.