Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Balaton Lake?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Balaton Lake or Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Dubrovnik?
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.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBalaton Lake $86Dubrovnik $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $103. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBalaton Lake $48Dubrovnik $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBalaton Lake $96Dubrovnik $106
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Dubrovnik
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Dubrovnik? 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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Balaton Lake $12Dubrovnik $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town$1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $15
- Porter Service, Baggage Transfer, Baggage pick up & delivery.: $16
- Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik: $22
- Private transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $22
- Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $22
- Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $24
- Dubrovnik Luxury Airport Transfers: $26
- From Dubrovnik Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $28
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Port to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): $28
- Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik hotels to Dubrovnik Cruise Port: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Dubrovnik?
Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 $27Dubrovnik $35
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
- Food Tour: Taste Dubrovnik: $97
- Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $127
- Old Town Food Tour: $143
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $146
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $166
- Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
- Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $197
- Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $208
- Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
- Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $213
- Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Balaton Lake $20Dubrovnik $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)$14
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$56
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$48
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.32
- Self-guided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.46
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.37
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.38
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
- Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.51
- Medieval Adventure City Game: $6.91
- Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.04
- Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
- Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.51
- Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $8.74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBalaton Lake $8.73Dubrovnik $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $54
- From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $69
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
- Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
- Interactive Wine Tour: $80
- Korcula & Peljesac Wine Tasting Group Tour from Dubrovnik: $83
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
- Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $92
- Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Balaton Lake and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Dubrovnik. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Balaton Lake is cooler than Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Balaton Lake usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBalaton Lake 22°C (71°F)Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?
Both Dubrovnik and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.
In the autumn, Balaton Lake is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Balaton Lake in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBalaton Lake 13°C (56°F)Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Dubrovnik in the Winter?
Both Dubrovnik and Balaton Lake during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Balaton Lake in the winter. In January, Balaton Lake is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 0°C (32°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBalaton Lake 0°C (32°F)Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Dubrovnik in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Dubrovnik. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Balaton Lake is cooler than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBalaton Lake 12°C (54°F)Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Balaton Lake
| Balaton Lake | Dubrovnik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.