A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bad Gastein vs. Budva for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bad Gastein or Budva?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bad Gastein and Budva can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Bad Gastein or Budva?

Bad Gastein

Located in the High Tauern Mountains south of Salzburg, Bad Gastein is a spa and ski town known for hotels and villas built into steep and forested slopes. While the town is most visited in the winter for skiing purposes, it is also a home base for many hiking opportunities throughout the summer.

Budva

A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Bad Gastein?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bad Gastein is €122, while the average daily cost in Budva is €91. 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 Bad Gastein and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bad Gastein 62
    Budva 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bad Gastein 124
    Budva 74
Compare Hotels in Bad Gastein and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Bad Gastein or Budva? 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 Bad Gastein


Hotels in Budva


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: Bad Gastein Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bad Gastein 40
    Budva 20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:


  • Daily Car Rental
    65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $179
  • Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
  • Montenegro Airport Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer Service in Montenegro: $29
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $117
  • Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Dubrovnik airport: $240
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik: $272
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Sveti Stefan to Dubrovnik airport: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Bad Gastein or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Bad Gastein 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
    Bad Gastein 35
    Budva 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva

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

  • Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bad Gastein 21
    Budva 22

Tours and Activities in Budva

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

  • 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
  • From Day Cruise to Boka Bay: $42
  • Great Cruise From Budva to Boka Bay in a Day: $43
  • 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
  • Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43
  • Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
  • Night Lights Kayak Adventure : $44
  • Soul of Montenegro: Kotor, Lovcen and Cetinje Day Tour: $61
  • Private Tour: Panoramic route around Skadar Lake: $65
  • Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $65
  • Private Boat Tour Adventure In Budva - Sightseeing & Snorkeling : $65
  • Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bad Gastein 7.86
    Budva 14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bad Gastein or Budva?

Bad Gastein has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Bad Gastein and Budva, 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.