A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Mostar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bern or Mostar?

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

Should I visit Bern or Mostar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bern or Mostar?

Bern

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $249, while the average daily cost in Mostar 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 Bern and Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Mostar $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Mostar $72
Compare Hotels in Bern and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Mostar? 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 Bern


Hotels in Mostar


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: Bern Hotel Prices and Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Mostar $8.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
  • Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
  • Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $174
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
  • Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
  • From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $267
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar and Bern 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
    Bern $60
    Mostar $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

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

  • Mostar street food tour: $57
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
  • Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Mostar $9.37

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Mostar

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

  • Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket: $5.94
  • Walking tour in Old Town Mostar: $18
  • Walking Tour in Old Town Mostar: $20
  • Mostar city Tour: $22
  • Mostar Walking Tour: Orient in the West: $22
  • Mostar in War: Historical Walking Tour: $22
  • Street Art Guided Tour in Mostar: $22
  • Mostar Private Walking Tour - where East meets West: $32
  • Mostar Shelters tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Ottoman Experience Tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Death of Yugoslavia Tour in Mostar: $38
  • Private Half-Day Oriental Tour of Mostar with Food Tasting: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Mostar $3.71

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    $6.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

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

  • 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Mostar?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Mostar. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Mostar, 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 Bern or Mostar?

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 Bern or Mostar in the Summer?

Both Mostar and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In July, Bern is generally cooler than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Mostar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives more rain than Mostar. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Mostar 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Bern or Mostar in the Autumn?

Both Mostar and Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is cooler than Mostar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun.

Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bern usually gets less rain in October than Mostar. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Mostar 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Bern or Mostar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Mostar. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bern is much colder than Mostar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Mostar averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Mostar receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bern usually receives less rain than Mostar. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Mostar 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Bern or Mostar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bern as well as Mostar. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Bern is generally cooler than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mostar. Bern usually gets less rain in April than Mostar. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Mostar 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Mostar and Bern

Bern Mostar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)