Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Balaton Lake?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Balaton Lake or Sarajevo?
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 Sarajevo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Sarajevo?
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.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBalaton Lake $86Sarajevo $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $70. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBalaton Lake $48Sarajevo $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBalaton Lake $96Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Sarajevo
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Sarajevo? 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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Balaton Lake $12Sarajevo $7.02
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
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Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
- Arrival Private Transfer from Sarajevo SJJ Airport to Sarajevo : $16
- Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
- Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
- Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
- Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
- Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $30
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Lukavica: $33
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Downtown to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Sarajevo?
Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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 $27Sarajevo $31
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
- Cooking class: Traditional Bosnian Pie: $60
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Balaton Lake $20Sarajevo $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
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National Museum (for 2)$7.64
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Walking Self Guided Audio Tour Visit to Sarajevo: $6.00
- 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
- Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
- SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $15
- Grand Walking Tour: $16
- Tito's Bunker Tour: $16
- Sarajevo Essential Full Walking Tour: $16
- Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
- Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $16
- HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
- Sensational Sarajevo Sunset Walking Tour: $17
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBalaton Lake $8.73Sarajevo $7.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo
Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Balaton Lake and Sarajevo, we can see that Balaton Lake is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Balaton Lake would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Balaton Lake than you might in Sarajevo.
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 Sarajevo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Sarajevo?
Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?
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 Sarajevo in the Summer?
Both Sarajevo and Balaton Lake during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Balaton Lake is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 22°C (71°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Balaton Lake. In the summer, Balaton Lake often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBalaton Lake 22°C (71°F)Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Sarajevo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Sarajevo. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Balaton Lake is cooler than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during autumn. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBalaton Lake 13°C (56°F)Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Sarajevo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Sarajevo. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.
The weather in Balaton Lake can be very cold. In the winter, Balaton Lake is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Balaton Lake in January average around 0°C (32°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Balaton Lake often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBalaton Lake 0°C (32°F)Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Sarajevo in the Spring?
Both Sarajevo and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Balaton Lake is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 12°C (54°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during spring. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBalaton Lake 12°C (54°F)Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Balaton Lake
| Balaton Lake | Sarajevo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 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.