A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Balaton Lake vs. Bergen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Balaton Lake or Bergen?

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 Balaton Lake and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Bergen?

Balaton Lake

Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Balaton Lake?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $108. 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 Balaton Lake and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Balaton Lake $48
    Bergen $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Balaton Lake $96
    Bergen $134
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Bergen? 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 Balaton Lake


Hotels in Bergen


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: Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Balaton Lake $12
    Bergen $9.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $49
  • Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $49
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by Sedan: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $80
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen city by luxury van: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $92
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $94
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by business sedan: $98
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen to Bergen Airport BGO by business sedan: $98
  • Bergen International Airport: Private One Way Transfer: $100
  • Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Balaton Lake 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
    Balaton Lake $27
    Bergen $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

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

  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Balaton Lake $20
    Bergen $16

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • Explore Bergen with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.21
  • Visita a pie Bergen NORDIC FREEDOM TOURS: $4.96
  • Guided Walking Tour: $4.96
  • Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
  • Off the Beaten Track in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Bergen University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Walk with a witch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $6.99
  • Walking Tour of Central Bergen: $7.63
  • Pocket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Pocket Bryggen: A Self-Guided Audio tour in Bergen: $8.99
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Balaton Lake $8.73
    Bergen $6.87


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

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


Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Bergen, 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 Balaton Lake or Bergen?

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 Balaton Lake or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Balaton Lake is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Bergen. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Balaton Lake during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In the autumn, Balaton Lake is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Balaton Lake in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Bergen. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. It's quite cold in Balaton Lake in the winter. In January, Balaton Lake is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 0°C (32°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Bergen. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Bergen. Additionally, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

Balaton Lake is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Balaton Lake

Balaton Lake Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)