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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Belgrade?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Belgrade is $54, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is $100. 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 $32
    Zagreb $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belgrade $64
    Zagreb $108
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 $5.89
    Zagreb $10

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: $101
  • Belgrade Airport Transfers to/from any Destination: $62
  • Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport(BEG) to Belgrade - Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer : $102
  • Private Transfer from Belgrade Airport (BEG) to Šabac: $185
  • Private Transfer from Belgrade Airport (BEG) to Sremski Karlovci: $163
  • Private Transfer from Novi Sad to Belgrade Airport (BEG): $182
  • Private Transfer from Smederevo to Belgrade Airport (BEG): $203
  • Private Transfer: Belgrade to Novi Sad and back: $159
  • Private transfer from Belgrade Airport: $57
  • Private transfer from Belgrade or Belgrade Airport to Novi Sad: $176

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $7.72
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $17
  • Direct bus Transfer from/to Split: $25
  • Premium Private Transfer to or from Zagreb Airport : $26
  • Zagreb to Zagreb Airport (ZAG) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $42
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $47
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $53
  • Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport to Zagreb city center or hotels: $63
  • Zagreb Airport Transfers : Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City in Business Car: $65
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $68

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 $17
    Zagreb $32

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: $68
  • Private Serbian Food Cooking Experience in Belgrade with Meal: $79
  • Private Walking and Food Tour in Belgrade: $108

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: $101
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $102
  • Zagreb Food Tour: Bite into Traditional Dishes and Flavors: $136
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour: $149
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $193
  • Zagreb Hike & Taste - Nature Park. Medieval castle. Local Dinner: $203

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belgrade $4.75
    Zagreb $13

Tours and Activities in Belgrade

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

  • Skip the Line: Family Centar Sremska Mitrovica -Playroom for kids: $1.13
  • Belgrade Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.80
  • Downtown Belgrade Smartphone App Self Guided GPS Tour: $15
  • Discover Stunning Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Communist Tour in Belgrade: $17
  • Self-guided kayak tour in Belgrade : $25
  • Feel Belgrade Welcome tour : $31
  • 3-Hour Small Group Walking Tour: $33
  • Belgrade Underground Tour w/ Sparkling Wine Along the River: $33
  • Half-Day Sightseeing and Walking Tour of Belgrade City: $34
  • Sunset Kayak Adventure in Belgrade: $34
  • Street Art and Hipster 2-Hour Private Guided Tour in Beograd: $40

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: $6.78
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.91
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Experience Museum of Hangovers in Zagreb: $13
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • VR 3D Immersive Film Experience - Voucher: $14
  • Zagreb Time Travel – Discover Zagreb with a fun interactive tablet city tour!: $17
  • Small Group Walking Tour City Center and WW2 Tunnels: $23
  • Explore A Guided Walking Tour of the City Centre: $23
  • Group walking tour of Zagreb (funicular included): $23
  • Guided City Tour with WWII Tunnels: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belgrade $22
    Zagreb $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Belgrade

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

  • E-Scooter CRAFT BEER and BREWERY Tour: $56
  • Natural wine tasting with great views: $68
  • Belgrade Local Serbian Wine Tasting Tour: $85
  • Novisad Ethnic Village Serbian Wine Tasting Tour: $115
  • Northern Serbia: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting in a cellar : $204
  • Full-Day Tour along Danube with Three Stronghold Sightseeing and Wine Tasting: $221
  • From Subotica & Palić Lake Tour with Wine tasting: $225

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

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

  • Pub Crawl, 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks, & Club Entry: $31
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $34
  • Taste Zagreb Heritage Wine Tasting with Traditional Lunch: $102
  • Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $108
  • Hrastje Plešivičko Wine Tasting Day Trip: $158
  • From Samobor Highlights & Wine Tasting in Plešivica: $186
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $208
  • Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch: $223
  • Castle & Wine Tasting - Private Day Trip from Zagreb: $252


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)