A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Balaton Lake vs. Oslo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Balaton Lake or Oslo?

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 Oslo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Oslo?

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Balaton Lake?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Oslo is $136. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Balaton Lake $48
    Oslo $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Balaton Lake $96
    Oslo $162
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Oslo? 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.

Hotels in Balaton Lake


Hotels in Oslo


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: Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Balaton Lake $12
    Oslo $23

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $6.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $40
  • Private Transfer:Oslo Gardermoen Airport(OSL) to Oslo City Center: $70
  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim- Round-Trip Transfer: $81
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $83
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo Cruise Port: $89
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL): $89
  • Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $114
  • Arrival Private Transfer Oslo OSL Airport to Oslo by Business Car: $115
  • Oslo Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Oslo hotels: $129
  • Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Balaton Lake $27
    Oslo $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Balaton Lake $20
    Oslo $19

Tours and Activities in Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • Explore Oslo with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Walking Tour in Oslo in English: $4.41
  • Tour a Pie en Oslo en Español: $4.41
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Oslo Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $8.02
  • Discover Oslo's Heart: Audio Tour Through Time and Beauty: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Fram Museum Admission Ticket: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Balaton Lake $8.73
    Oslo $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Balaton Lake and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Balaton Lake is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Balaton Lake in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Oslo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Balaton Lake. Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during summer. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Oslo. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Balaton Lake during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Balaton Lake is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 13°C (56°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Oslo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. Balaton Lake can get quite cold in the winter. Balaton Lake is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Oslo. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Oslo. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Balaton Lake is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Balaton Lake in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Balaton Lake often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Balaton Lake usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Balaton Lake

Balaton Lake Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)