Which place is cheaper, Kotor or Balaton Lake?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Balaton Lake or Kotor?
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 Kotor can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Kotor?
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.
Kotor
A coastal town of Montenegro, Kotor is also a beautifully-preserved fortified, medieval town, featuring a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively piazzas, historic churches, and a spread of bars and restaurants throughout its historic Old Town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBalaton Lake $86Kotor $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Kotor 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 Kotor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBalaton Lake $48Kotor $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBalaton Lake $96Kotor $106
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Kotor
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Kotor? 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: Kotor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Balaton Lake $12Kotor $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:
- Kotor Cruise Port to Tivat hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Tivat Airport (TIV) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Private Transfer from Tivat or Porto Montenegro to Tivat airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Tivat airport to Tivat city or Porto Montenegro: $27
- Kotor Cruise Port to Tivat Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
- Tivat Airport (TIV) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
- Transfer from Tivat airport to Kotor Old Town: $41
- Enjoy Private Transfers by Car or Van from Tivat Airport to Kotor or Budva: $43
- Private Transfer from Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica Airport(TGD): $47
- Private transfer from Nikki or Obala Djurasevica to Tivat airport: $49
- Private transfers from Kotor to Podgorica Airport and City: $52
- Transfer Tivat Airport - Kotor Old Town (and viceversa): $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Kotor?
Prices for flights to both Kotor 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 $27Kotor $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kotor.
- Kotor City Tour and Cooking Class : $202
- Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $225
- Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $260
- Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $304
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Balaton Lake $20Kotor $9.01
Tours and Activities in Kotor
Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Walking Tour in Kotor : $22
- Kotor Old Town - City Walking Tour: $23
- Kotor Old Town Walking Tour: $24
- Panorama and Semi-Submarine Underwater Experience: $24
- Boat Tour to Perast Old Town & Our Lady of the Rocks: $27
- Tour Kotor - Perast Old Town - Island Our Lady of the Rocks - Every 2 hours: $29
- Kotor Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: $33
- Whole Boka Bay Cruise with Ship Knez Lipovac: $33
- Kotor Boat Tour to Blue Cave&Lady of the Rocks: $33
- Shore Excursion - Handwoven Carpet Workshop, Local wine and Kotor Old Town tour : $33
- Blue Cave Speedboat Tour from Kotor: $35
- Speedboat tour Kotor Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rock,swiming: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBalaton Lake $8.73Kotor $9.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:
- Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
- Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
- Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $250
- Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $426
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Balaton Lake and Kotor, we can see that Kotor 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 Kotor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kotor 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 Kotor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Kotor?
Kotor has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Kotor, 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 Kotor?
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 Kotor in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Kotor. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.
In the summer, Balaton Lake is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Balaton Lake in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Balaton Lake, it's very sunny this time of the year. Balaton Lake usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Balaton Lake usually receives more rain than Kotor. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBalaton Lake 22°C (71°F)Kotor 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Kotor in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Kotor. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Balaton Lake is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Balaton Lake often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kotor. Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBalaton Lake 13°C (56°F)Kotor 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Kotor in the Winter?
Both Kotor and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Balaton Lake. Balaton Lake is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Kotor. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBalaton Lake 0°C (32°F)Kotor 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Kotor in the Spring?
Both Kotor and Balaton Lake during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Balaton Lake is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Balaton Lake in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Balaton Lake often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.
Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBalaton Lake 12°C (54°F)Kotor 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kotor and Balaton Lake
| Balaton Lake | Kotor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 215 mm (8.5 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.