Which place is cheaper, Balaton Lake or Brasov?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Brasov or Balaton Lake?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Brasov or Balaton Lake, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Brasov or Balaton Lake?
Brasov
Brasov is a mountain resort city in the region of Transylvania in Romania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and best known for its medieval architecture and history.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Romania, The Best Budget Tours to Romania, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, and The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrasov $60Balaton Lake $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Brasov is $60, while the average daily cost in Balaton Lake is $86. 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 Brasov and Balaton Lake in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrasov $23Balaton Lake $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrasov $46Balaton Lake $96
Compare Hotels in Brasov and Balaton Lake
Looking for a hotel in Brasov or Balaton Lake? 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.
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: Brasov Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brasov $18Balaton Lake $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brasov
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brasov:
- Airport transfer, Bucharest tour, Prahova Valley tour: $21
- Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest with Hotel Pick-up: $66
- Airport Transfer Bucharest: $77
- Private Airport Transfers from Bucharest: $77
- Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest, 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $123
- Private transfer from OTP Airport to Brasov or Return: $139
- Bucharest Private Transfer to/from Brasov: $139
- Departure Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest Airport OTP in Business Car: $146
- Premium Private Transfer : Bucharest Airport to/from Brasov: $248
- Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $250
- Brasov to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $321
- Bucharest to Brasov - Private Transfer: $321
Is it cheaper to fly into Brasov or Balaton Lake?
Prices for flights to both Balaton Lake and Brasov 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
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Food Meals for one dayBrasov $26Balaton Lake $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brasov
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brasov.
- Small-Group organic home-made dinner in a Brasov village: $92
- Enjoy Traditional Romanian Cooking in Brasov: $94
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brasov $9.63Balaton Lake $20
Tours and Activities in Brasov
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Brasov are as follows:
- 1 day cycling tour in Brasov: $3.25
- E-BIKE mtb renting (self guided tours): $16
- Bran Castle Entry Tickets : $24
- Brasov Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: $27
- Candlelight Tour of Medieval Architecture: $29
- Brașov Old German Town: Private WalkingTour & PDF guide: $33
- Outdoors experience - Paintball in Transylvania : $36
- Small Group Walking Tour Of Brasov Old Town: $38
- Bran Castle - Guided Tour: $42
- Mountain Bike Day Tour around Brasov: $46
- City Tour Brasov in english: $48
- City Tour in Brasov in English: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrasov $7.83Balaton Lake $8.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Brasov
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brasov:
- Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress and Palinca Distillery Day Trip From Brasov: $98
- Azuga wine tasting on a day trip from Brasov: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brasov and Balaton Lake, we can see that Balaton Lake is more expensive. And not only is Brasov much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brasov would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brasov 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 Balaton Lake would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Balaton Lake than you might in Brasov.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brasov Expensive? and Is Balaton Lake Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brasov or Balaton Lake?
Brasov has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Brasov and Balaton Lake, 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 Brasov or Balaton Lake?
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 Brasov or Balaton Lake in the Summer?
Both Balaton Lake and Brasov are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Brasov is generally around the same temperature as Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Brasov average around 23°C (73°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Balaton Lake. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brasov. Brasov usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Balaton Lake during summer. Brasov gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Brasov usually receives around the same amount of rain as Balaton Lake. Brasov gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBrasov 23°C (73°F)Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Brasov or Balaton Lake in the Autumn?
Both Balaton Lake and Brasov during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Brasov is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brasov averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Brasov often gets more sunshine than Balaton Lake. Brasov gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 169 hours of full sun.
Brasov usually gets less rain in October than Balaton Lake. Brasov gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBrasov 13°C (55°F)Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Brasov or Balaton Lake in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brasov and Balaton Lake.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Balaton Lake. It's quite cold in Brasov in the winter. In the winter, Brasov is much colder than Balaton Lake. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brasov in January average around -1°C (30°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 0°C (32°F).
Brasov usually receives more sunshine than Balaton Lake during winter. Brasov gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Brasov usually receives less rain than Balaton Lake. Brasov gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBrasov -1°C (30°F)Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Brasov or Balaton Lake in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Brasov as well as Balaton Lake.
In April, Brasov is generally around the same temperature as Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Brasov average around 12°C (54°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Brasov often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Balaton Lake. Brasov gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 187 hours of full sun.
Brasov usually gets less rain in April than Balaton Lake. Brasov gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBrasov 12°C (54°F)Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Balaton Lake and Brasov
| Brasov | Balaton Lake | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (30°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (35°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.