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

Should you visit Bucharest or Pecs?

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 Pecs. 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 Pecs?

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.

Pecs

Located in southwest Hungary, Pecs is a pleasant university town with a history that dates back to Roman times - a history evident in its ancient architecture. Some of the most sought after sites include the Early Christian Necropolis, the Mosque of Pasha Quasim, and the Cathedral of Pecs.

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


Which place is cheaper, Pecs or Bucharest?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $137, while the average daily cost in Pecs is $80. 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 Pecs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $63
    Pecs $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $126
    Pecs $74
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Pecs

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Pecs? 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 Pecs


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 and Pecs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Pecs $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Bucharest Airport Private Transfer by Van : $76
  • Bucharest to Drobeta Turnu Severin - Private Transfer - Driver and Car: $206
  • ATV Adrenaline Race in Carpathian with Private Transfer: $107
  • Airport Bucharest Transfer: $54
  • Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $43
  • Airport Transfer Bucharest - Brasov ,Brasov- Bucharest: $65
  • Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $43
  • Airport to Bucharest /Private Transfer from OTP Henri Coanda: $39
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov in Business Car: $146
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bucharest Airport OTP to Bran Castle of Dracula: $239

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pecs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pecs:

  • Pécs - Budapest Transfer: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Pecs?

Prices for flights to both Pecs 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 $58
    Pecs $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

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

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $62
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $65
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
  • Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $108
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $201
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $227

Typical Food Prices in Pecs

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Pecs $17

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

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

  • Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $5.30
  • A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $11
  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $17
  • Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $19
  • Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
  • Palace of Parliament Bucharest 1 Hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $21
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Bucharest: $22
  • Tour to Dracula's Castle Peles Castle and Brasov from Bucharest: $22
  • Communism and History Guided City Walking Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Pecs

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

  • Mineral Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.17
    Pecs $8.30

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: $23
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • Pub Crawl Bucharest Top experience in Bucharest: $32
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $42
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $65
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tasting Tour at First Wine Bar: $85


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Pecs, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Pecs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pecs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pecs 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 Pecs.

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


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Pecs?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pecs. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Pecs, 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 Pecs?

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 Bucharest or Pecs in the Summer?

Both Pecs and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Pecs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Pecs averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Pecs. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bucharest. Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pecs during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pecs. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Pecs 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Pecs in the Autumn?

Both Pecs and Bucharest during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

In October, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Pecs. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Pecs fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pecs. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 169 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Pecs. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Pecs 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Pecs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Pecs. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pecs can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. Bucharest is much colder than Pecs in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Pecs fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pecs during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pecs. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Pecs 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Pecs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Pecs. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Pecs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Pecs averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pecs. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 187 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Pecs. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Pecs 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pecs and Bucharest

Bucharest Pecs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)