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

Should you visit Balaton Lake or Zagreb?

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

Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Balaton Lake?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $88, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is $83. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Balaton Lake $49
    Zagreb $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Balaton Lake $98
    Zagreb $104
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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: Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Balaton Lake $12
    Zagreb $9.78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Zagreb to Franjo Tudman Airport(ZAG) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Private One-way Zagreb Airport Transfer To/From Zagreb: $26
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $27
  • One way Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport to Zagreb: $30
  • One-way transfer from / to Franjo Tuđman airport: $32
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $32
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $32
  • Transfer between Zagreb Airport and Zagreb Downtown Hotels: $32
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $32
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $40
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb Airport - Zagreb: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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 $28
    Zagreb $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

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

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $73
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Strukli cooking class with Dolac Market Tour: $76
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour: $125
  • Zagreb Walking Food Tour - Sightseeing - Dolac market visit: $135
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • Private Food Tour with Tastings: $173
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $194
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $628

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Balaton Lake $21
    Zagreb $13

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.26
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.45
  • Experience Museum of Hangovers in Zagreb: $7.62
  • Museum of Selfies & Memories Zagreb Ticket: $8.66
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.58
  • Zagreb Time Travel – fun digital city tour with tablet: $11
  • Kupa River Cruise in the Traditional Žitna lađa boat in Karlovac: $15
  • FREE Souvenir Prize; Sit & Meet Self-Guided Zagreb Tour: $16
  • Zagreb Time Travel – Discover Zagreb with a fun interactive tablet city tour!: $16
  • FREE Souvenir Prize Game; Sit & Meet Self-Guided Zagreb Tour : $16
  • City Walking Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Balaton Lake $8.96
    Zagreb $9.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Crawl with Welcome Shots: $16
  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Local Craft Distillery Pairing Spirits with Local Craft Chocolate: $16
  • Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $102
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $141
  • The Dionysus Tour - Wine Tasting at Plesivica and Samobor visit: $184
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $200
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $206
  • Castles & Wine Tasting - Private Day Trip from Zagreb: $212
  • Plesivica Region Wine Tasting Half-day Tour : $271
  • Private Samobor Full-Day Tour and Wine Tasting from Zagreb: $433


When comparing the travel costs between Balaton Lake and Zagreb, we can see that Balaton Lake 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.

Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Zagreb?

Zagreb is bigger, and its population is about 337.8 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the population of Balaton Lake vs. Zagreb, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Balaton Lake or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Zagreb. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Balaton Lake is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 22°C (71°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Balaton Lake, it's very sunny this time of the year. Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Zagreb. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. The weather in Balaton Lake can be very cold. In the winter, Balaton Lake is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Balaton Lake in January average around 0°C (32°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Balaton Lake during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

In April, Balaton Lake is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 12°C (54°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Balaton Lake

Balaton Lake Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 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.
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Balaton Lake vs. Zagreb Travel Comparison

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