A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bologna vs. Budva for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bologna or Budva?

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 Bologna and Budva can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Bologna or Budva?

Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.

Budva

A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Bologna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bologna is €159, while the average daily cost in Budva is €91. 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 Bologna and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bologna 87
    Budva 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bologna 174
    Budva 74
Compare Hotels in Bologna and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Bologna or Budva? 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 Bologna


Hotels in Budva


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: Bologna Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bologna 21
    Budva 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Modena or Verona by Business Van: $162
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Business Car: $121
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Luxury Van: $135
  • Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
  • Arrival Transfer from Ravenna/Cruise Port to Venice Piazzale Roma: $120
  • Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Private Transfer: $163
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $172
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna city or Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $113
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Venice - Arrival Private Transfer: $117
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Venice - Arrival Private Transfer: $100

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:


  • Daily Car Rental
    65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • Private Transfer Service in Montenegro: $29
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58
  • Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $58
  • Montenegro Airport Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
  • Tivat to Budva one way transfer: $102
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $117
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $139
  • Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Bologna or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Bologna 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
    Bologna 39
    Budva 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

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

  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
  • Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
  • Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
  • Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
  • Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
  • Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
  • Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
  • Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
  • Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva

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

  • Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bologna 38
    Budva 22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:


  • Food Tour (for 2)
    31
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    115
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)
    67
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)
    12
  • Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)
    12

Tours and Activities in Bologna

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $4.36
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
  • Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Tours and Activities in Budva

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

  • 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
  • From Day Cruise to Boka Bay: $42
  • Great Cruise From Budva to Boka Bay in a Day: $43
  • 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
  • Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43
  • Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
  • Night Lights Kayak Adventure : $44
  • Soul of Montenegro: Kotor, Lovcen and Cetinje Day Tour: $61
  • Private Tour: Panoramic route around Skadar Lake: $65
  • Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $65
  • Private Boat Tour Adventure In Budva - Sightseeing & Snorkeling : $65
  • Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bologna 28
    Budva 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna

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

  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
  • From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
  • Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
  • Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
  • Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
  • Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
  • Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
  • Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
  • Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
  • Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bologna or Budva?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Bologna and Budva, 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.