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

Should you visit Belgrade or Zagreb?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Belgrade and Zagreb can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Belgrade or Zagreb?

Belgrade

Belgrade is the capital city of the Republic of Serbia. Dating back to the 4th Century BC, is has seen many changes from Celtic tribes at its earliest beginnings to Roman rule, the Ottoman Empire, and Serbian independence. Relics of its past can be seen today in Belgrade's architecture and museums, while there are also a host of contemporary activities like nightlife, clubs, cafes, and concerts.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Serbia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Croatia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Belgrade?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Belgrade is $45, 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 Belgrade and Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belgrade $31
    Zagreb $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belgrade $62
    Zagreb $104
Compare Hotels in Belgrade and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Belgrade 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 Belgrade


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: Belgrade Hotel Prices and Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belgrade $5.65
    Zagreb $9.78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belgrade

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belgrade:

  • Airport Transfer in Belgrade, Serbia: $40
  • Airport transfer between Belgrade Nikola Tesla and Novi Sad: $97
  • BELGRADE TRANSIT TOUR - private layover tour with return airport transfer: $132
  • Belgrade Airport transfer - Business Class: $52
  • Belgrade Layover tour with E Scooter and airport transfers: $218
  • Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG): Transfer to Belgrade: $147
  • Belgrade airport transfer: $47
  • Belgrade to Belgrade N. Tesla Airport (BEG) - Departure Transfer: $35
  • Belgrade to Timisoara transfer and walking city tour: $144
  • Belgrade transfer from and to airport (by van): $155
  • Bus Transfer Between Airport and Slavija Square: $3.71
  • Nikola Tesla Airport Private Transfer: $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $12
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $15
  • Zagreb to Franjo Tudman Airport(ZAG) - Departure Private Transfer: $21
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $33
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $41
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $41
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $42
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $44
  • Zagreb Airport(ZAG) to Moravske Toplice- Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb Train or Bus Station to Zagreb City by car or van: $48
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Train or Bus Station by car or van: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Belgrade or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb and Belgrade 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
    Belgrade $9.37
    Zagreb $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belgrade

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

  • E-Scooter Serbian Food Tour: $67
  • E-Scooter Serbian Food Tour: $76
  • Private Serbian Food Cooking Experience in Belgrade with Meal: $78
  • The 10 Tastings of Belgrade Private Food Tour : $138

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: $75
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $77
  • Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour: $139
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $199
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $969

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belgrade $4.55
    Zagreb $13

Tours and Activities in Belgrade

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

  • Capture Belgrade:Audio Walking Tour in the Heart of the City: $3.19
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Jack The Ripper Skip-the-Line Ticket in Belgrade: $3.33
  • Belgrade City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.53
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.53
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
  • Downtown Belgrade Mobile App Self-Guided GPS Walking Tour: $14
  • Walking Tour in Belgrade: $16
  • Yugoslavia Communist tour: $16
  • Fortress Underground Tour w/Wine Along the River: $16
  • Saint Sava Temple guided tour: $16
  • Underground Tour with Glass of Wine: $16

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.35
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.44
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.53
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.62
  • Zagreb in a Nutshell a Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.98
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.79
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
  • Highlights Tour with a Master of Art History: $13
  • Self-Guided Zagreb Tour; Sit & Meet - Meet the great Croats: $13
  • Most Instagrammable Photo Spots Guided Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belgrade $21
    Zagreb $9.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Belgrade

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belgrade:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Belgrade: $44
  • RePlay Pub Crawl in Belgrade: $53
  • Tour of the MONASTERIES at Fruška Gora NP and Sremski Karlovci with wine tasting: $55
  • Urban Rakija Distillery Tour in Belgrade: $55
  • Belgrade Reserved Pub Crawl: $61
  • Private Wine Tasting by Party in Belgrade: $72
  • Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci private tour with wine tasting: $77
  • 3-Hour Walking Local Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Private Wine Tour in Royal Region: $88
  • Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci Wine Tour From Belgrade: $94
  • Small Group Wine Tour in Sumadija Wine Region: $128

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

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

  • Local Craft Distillery Pairing Spirits with Local Craft Chocolate: $17
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $33
  • Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $104
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $202
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $205
  • Taste Zagreb Heritage Wine Tasting with Traditional Lunch: $222
  • Private Wine Tour from Two Local Wineries & Samobor : $222
  • Walking Pub Crawl with Welcome Shots: $1,087


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belgrade and Zagreb, we can see that Zagreb is more expensive. And not only is Belgrade much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belgrade would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belgrade 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 Zagreb would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zagreb than you might in Belgrade.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belgrade Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Belgrade or Zagreb?

Belgrade has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Belgrade and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Belgrade 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 Belgrade or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belgrade and Zagreb. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Belgrade is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Belgrade average around 23°C (73°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 Belgrade, it's very sunny this time of the year. Belgrade usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during summer. Belgrade gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belgrade usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Belgrade gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belgrade 23°C (73°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Belgrade or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belgrade as well as Zagreb. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Belgrade is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belgrade averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Belgrade often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Belgrade gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Belgrade usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Belgrade gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belgrade 14°C (57°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Belgrade or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Belgrade are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. Belgrade can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Belgrade is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belgrade in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Belgrade usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Belgrade gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belgrade usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Belgrade gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belgrade 2°C (35°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Belgrade or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Belgrade during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

In April, Belgrade is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Belgrade average around 14°C (56°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Belgrade often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Belgrade gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Belgrade usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Belgrade gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belgrade 14°C (56°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Belgrade

Belgrade Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)