Which place is cheaper, Como or Balaton Lake?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Balaton Lake or Como?
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 Como can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Como?
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.
Como
At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBalaton Lake $86Como $229
The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Como is $229. 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 Como in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBalaton Lake $48Como $157
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBalaton Lake $96Como $314
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Como
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Como? 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: Como Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Balaton Lake $12Como $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como
Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Como to Milan hotels: $53
- Private Transfer From Lecco or Malgrate: $65
- Private transfer from Mandello del Lario or Abbadia Lariana: $76
- Bellagio to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
- Private transfer from Lenno or Argegno or Ossuccio: $147
- Private Transfer from Lezzeno or Pognana Lario or Faggeto Lario: $169
- From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $193
- Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $207
- Como Private Transfer from Como city centre to Milan Malpensa Airport: $221
- Argegno: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $235
- Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $236
- Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $243
Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Como?
Prices for flights to both Como 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 $27Como $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como
For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $45
- Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling: $49
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $93
- Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $108
- Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $131
- Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $139
- Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $160
- Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $160
- Pizza Training Experience. Como Area: $163
- Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $163
- Private Market Tour & Lunch or Dinner with a Local: $171
- Como Food Tour: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Balaton Lake $20Como -
Tours and Activities in Como
For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Agra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Como: $8.71
- Como Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- Como Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
- Self-Guided Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
- Lake Self-Guided Walking Tour - Downtown Como: $21
- Como City Audio Guide and Skip The Ticket Line to Brunate: $22
- Como City Walking Tour : $27
- City Tour with Duomo Visit and First Basin Lake Cruise: $32
- Guided City Walking Tour: $32
- 90minutes Tea Preparation and Tasting Experience in Como: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBalaton Lake $8.73Como -
Sample the Local Flavors in Como
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:
- Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $60
- Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $70
- Lake Food and Wine tour in Colico: $114
- Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $135
- Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $185
- Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Balaton Lake and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Como?
Como has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Como, 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 Como?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Como in the Summer?
Both Como and Balaton Lake during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Balaton Lake. In the summer, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Como. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Como. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBalaton Lake 22°C (71°F)Como 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Como in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Como. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Balaton Lake is cooler than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Balaton Lake in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Como. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBalaton Lake 13°C (56°F)Como 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Como in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Como. Additionally, most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Como can be very cold during winter. Balaton Lake can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Balaton Lake is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 0°C (32°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the winter, Balaton Lake often gets less sunshine than Como. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in January than Como. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBalaton Lake 0°C (32°F)Como 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Como in the Spring?
Both Como and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during spring. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Como. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBalaton Lake 12°C (54°F)Como 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Como and Balaton Lake
| Balaton Lake | Como | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.