A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bucharest or Havana?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Havana. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Bucharest or Havana?

Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Bucharest?

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 Bucharest is $181, while the average daily cost in Havana is $73. 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 Bucharest and Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $63
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $126
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Havana? 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 Bucharest


Hotels in Havana


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: Bucharest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Bucharest Airport Private Transfer by Van up to 8 Passengers : $33
  • Bucharest to Drobeta Turnu Severin - Private Transfer - Driver and Car: $206
  • Private Transfer and 3H Tickets to Therme Bucharest: $106
  • AIRPORT TRANSFER IN BUCHAREST: $54
  • Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $44
  • Airport Private Transfer - to or from any Bucharest hotel: $74
  • Airport Transfer -One way Bucharest Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport : $17
  • Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $44
  • Airport to Bucharest /Private Transfer from OTP Henri Coanda: $39
  • Airport transfer to hotel: $43
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov in Business Car: $139
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $48

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Bucharest 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
    Bucharest $101
    Havana $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

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

  • Dinner &tour at Museum of Communism after closing: $50
  • Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $81
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $81
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $85
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $95
  • Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $128
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $203
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $227

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

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

  • Life in Communist Quest Experience: $5.95
  • Quest Experience in Bellu Cemetery Bucharest: $5.95
  • Bucharest Old Town Secrets Self-Guided Tour and Exploration Game: $5.95
  • Ghost Hunt Quest Experience: $5.95
  • Bucharest 1989 Revolution Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $6.42
  • Entry ticket at the Museum of Communism: $8.68
  • Museum of Communism Ticket with Communist Coffee: $9.65
  • Museum of Senses Entry Ticket: $9.69
  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $11
  • Alternative Bucharest Walking Tour: $11
  • Bucharest Old Centre Tour: $16
  • A Tale of Bucharest Calea Victoriei Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.23
    Havana $5.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

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

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
  • Romanian Wine Tasting Experience at Corks: $28
  • Bachelor Party Custom Bar Crawl: $38
  • Bucharest Guided Pub Crawl: $39
  • Bar Crawling: $43
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $53
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience: $54
  • Guided Pub Crawl in Bucharest: $56
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $65
  • Private Wine Tasting and Cheese Platter: $84
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $85

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

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


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Havana, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Havana, 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 Bucharest or Havana?

Bucharest has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Bucharest is cooler than Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In July, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Havana. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Bucharest during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In October, Bucharest is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Havana. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Bucharest can be very cold during winter. Bucharest is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In January, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Havana. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Havana. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In the spring, Bucharest is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Bucharest usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Bucharest

Bucharest Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)