Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Balaton Lake?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Balaton Lake or Bologna?
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 Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Bologna?
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.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBalaton Lake $86Bologna $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Bologna is $170. 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 Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBalaton Lake $48Bologna $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBalaton Lake $96Bologna $186
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Bologna? 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: Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Balaton Lake $12Bologna $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Calenzano City: $21
- Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Florence City: $21
- Bologna Airport: Private Transfer: $43
- Bologna Airport transfer: $46
- Ravenna Port to Ravenna Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Bologna to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
- Private Transfer from Bologna City Hotels to Ancona Cruise Port: $76
- Bologna to Florence - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Ravenna port to Ravenna hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna 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
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Food Meals for one dayBalaton Lake $27Bologna $42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
- Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
- Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
- Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
- Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
- Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
- Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
- Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
- Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
- Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
- Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
- Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Balaton Lake $20Bologna $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
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Food Tour (for 2)$34
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)$123
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Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)$72
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National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)$13
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Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $4.36
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
- Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
- Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
- Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBalaton Lake $8.73Bologna $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
- From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
- Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
- Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
- Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
- Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
- Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
- Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
- Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
- Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Balaton Lake and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Bologna, 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 Bologna?
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 Bologna in the Summer?
Both Bologna and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.
Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Balaton Lake. Balaton Lake usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during summer. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Balaton Lake usually receives more rain than Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBalaton Lake 22°C (71°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bologna in the Autumn?
Both Bologna and Balaton Lake during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Balaton Lake is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Balaton Lake in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Balaton Lake often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.
Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBalaton Lake 13°C (56°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bologna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Bologna. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Balaton Lake. In January, Balaton Lake is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 0°C (32°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBalaton Lake 0°C (32°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bologna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Bologna. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.
Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Balaton Lake often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBalaton Lake 12°C (54°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Balaton Lake
| Balaton Lake | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
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.