Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Balaton Lake?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Balaton Lake or Zadar?
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 Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Zadar?
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.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBalaton Lake $86Zadar $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBalaton Lake $48Zadar $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBalaton Lake $96Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Zadar? 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: Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Balaton Lake $12Zadar $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
- Private Transfer from Zadar city to Zadar Airport: $40
- Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $41
- Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
- Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar City: $49
- Split Airport (SPU) to Zadar hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Kožino: $54
- Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63
- Private Transfer from Zadar Cruise Port to Split Airport (SPU): $64
- Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar 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 $27Zadar $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Small Group Cooking Class: $38
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
- Zadar Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $98
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $217
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Balaton Lake $20Zadar $20
Tours and Activities in Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Paklenica National Park Admission Ticket: $5.57
- Zadar historical guided tour: $16
- Old Town Walking Tour: $16
- Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
- Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
- Zadar City Tour 90min Walk: $20
- Sunset Boat Tour with a Glass of Prosecco: $20
- Guided City Walking Tour: $21
- The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
- Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBalaton Lake $8.73Zadar $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
- Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
- Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98
When comparing the travel costs between Balaton Lake and Zadar, we can see that Zadar 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 Zadar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Zadar?
Zadar has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Zadar, 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 Zadar?
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 Zadar in the Summer?
Both Zadar and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Balaton Lake is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 22°C (71°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Balaton Lake. Balaton Lake usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Balaton Lake usually receives more rain than Zadar. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBalaton Lake 22°C (71°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Zadar in the Autumn?
Both Zadar and Balaton Lake during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
Balaton Lake is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Balaton Lake often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBalaton Lake 13°C (56°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Zadar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Zadar. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Balaton Lake in the winter. In the winter, Balaton Lake is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Balaton Lake in January average around 0°C (32°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Zadar. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBalaton Lake 0°C (32°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Zadar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Zadar. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Balaton Lake is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the spring, Balaton Lake often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBalaton Lake 12°C (54°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Balaton Lake
| Balaton Lake | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.