Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Balaton Lake?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Balaton Lake or Ljubljana?
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 Ljubljana can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Ljubljana?
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.
Ljubljana
Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.
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 Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBalaton Lake $86Ljubljana $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is $94. 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 Ljubljana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBalaton Lake $48Ljubljana $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBalaton Lake $96Ljubljana $116
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Ljubljana
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Ljubljana? 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: Ljubljana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Balaton Lake $12Ljubljana $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana
Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $13
- Private Transfer from Brnik Airport to Ljubljana Centre: $28
- Private Transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $54
- Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Kranj: $55
- Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer.Price per car.: $62
- Departure Private Transfer Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport by Business Car: $65
- Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Koper Port: $67
- Private Transfer from Ljubljana City Hotels to Koper Cruise Port: $67
- Ljubljana to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
- Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Kamnik: $69
- Private transfer from Kamnik to Ljubljana city: $69
- Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kamnik : $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Ljubljana?
Prices for flights to both Ljubljana 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 $27Ljubljana $18
Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:
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Horsemeat Hot Dog$2.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana
For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
- Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $64
- Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $64
- sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $65
- Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $73
- Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $81
- Dinner in the Dark: $86
- 3-Hour Food Tour: $90
- Dinner in the Dark: $105
- Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $128
- The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $208
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Balaton Lake $20Ljubljana $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana
For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)$8.67
Tours and Activities in Ljubljana
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $6.28
- Ljubljana City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
- Ljubljana:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.92
- From Swamp to State: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Ljubljana: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $13
- Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $13
- House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
- Self-Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Virtual Reality Gaming Experience Ljubljana: $17
- Tour of the Festive Decorations: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBalaton Lake $8.73Ljubljana $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:
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Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)$6.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:
- Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
- Brunch and Wine Tasting at a Sommelier's Kitchen Table: $69
- BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $82
- Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $93
- Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $97
- Private Family-Owned Vineyard Wine Tasting Trip: $144
- From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $190
- Wine Tours in Slovenia: $216
- Wine Tours Slovenia: $216
- Wine Tour Slovenia: $259
When comparing the travel costs between Balaton Lake and Ljubljana, we can see that Ljubljana is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Ljubljana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Ljubljana?
Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?
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 Ljubljana in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Ljubljana. Additionally, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Balaton Lake in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Balaton Lake this time of the year. In the summer, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBalaton Lake 22°C (71°F)Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Ljubljana in the Autumn?
Both Ljubljana and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Balaton Lake is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 13°C (56°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBalaton Lake 13°C (56°F)Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Ljubljana in the Winter?
Both Ljubljana and Balaton Lake during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ljubljana can be very cold during winter. Balaton Lake can get quite cold in the winter. Balaton Lake is much colder than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).
In the winter, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBalaton Lake 0°C (32°F)Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Ljubljana in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Ljubljana. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Balaton Lake in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.
Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBalaton Lake 12°C (54°F)Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Balaton Lake
| Balaton Lake | Ljubljana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 98 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 101 mm (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.