A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. Cesky Krumlov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Budapest or Cesky Krumlov?

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 Budapest and Cesky Krumlov can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Budapest or Cesky Krumlov?

Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 10-Day Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov or Budapest?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $90, while the average daily cost in Cesky Krumlov is $63. 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 Budapest and Cesky Krumlov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Budapest $49
    Cesky Krumlov $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Budapest $98
    Cesky Krumlov $74
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Cesky Krumlov

Looking for a hotel in Budapest or Cesky Krumlov? 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 Budapest


Hotels in Cesky Krumlov


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: Budapest Hotel Prices and Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Budapest $10
    Cesky Krumlov $2.97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $6.93
  • Metro Pass
    $3.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Budapest HTL-APT (BUD): $57
  • Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $717
  • T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,576
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $945
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $597
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,075
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Bratislava with Hotel or Airport pick-up: $279
  • Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $478
  • Private Transfer: Budapest to Budapest International Airport (BUD): $44
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Zagreb with 2 hours for sightseeing: $271
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Zadar, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $286
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna, English-speaking driver: $199

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cesky Krumlov

Also for Cesky Krumlov, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $158
  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt with 2 hours for sightseeing: $149
  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Cesky Krumlov?

Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov and Budapest 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
    Budapest $23
    Cesky Krumlov $22
Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    $3.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $35
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $35
  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $53
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $74
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $75
  • Dinner & Cruise on the Danube with Folklore Dance Show & Live Music: $76
  • Dinner Cruise with Operetta and Folk Show: $86
  • 3 course Dinner Cruise with Operetta and Folk Show: $87
  • 3 course Dinner Cruise with Piano Battle Show: $87
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cesky Krumlov

For Cesky Krumlov, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 2h Town Tour with Czech Food Lunch/Dinner: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Budapest $22
    Cesky Krumlov $6.63
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    $6.80

Tours and Activities in Budapest

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.

  • E-ticket to Vajdahunyad Castle with Audio Tour on Your Phone : $19
  • Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $243
  • 1 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - Parliament Hightails: $39
  • 2 Hour Budapest Market and Tasting Tour: $57
  • 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
  • 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
  • 2-Hour Private Budapest Castle Walking Tour: $128
  • 2-Hour Private Night Tour of Budapest: $268
  • 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
  • 3 Cocktail Cruise Budapest Winter Edition: $35
  • 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $94
  • 3-Hour Budapest E-Bike Adventure!: $52

Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov

For Cesky Krumlov, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2h Chateau Collections and Tower Tour with Coffee & Dessert: $76
  • A day in the life of Český Krumlov - Private tour with a local: $198
  • Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $94
  • Cesky Krumlov Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $211
  • Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Cesky Krumlov Tour 4 hours : $281
  • First white water experience with Tomáš Kobes: $220
  • Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $86
  • Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $61
  • Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $169
  • Touristic highlights of Český Krumlov on a Private half day tour with a local: $169
  • Walking private guided tour in Cesky Krumlov with local certified guide: $176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Budapest $18
    Cesky Krumlov $3.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

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

  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $22
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $40
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Private Wine Tasting in Budapest: $50
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50
  • Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest with T-shirt Included: $54
  • All You Can Drink Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest: $60
  • Wine Tasting Walk in Jewish Quarter Bars: $60


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

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


Which is Bigger, Budapest or Cesky Krumlov?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Cesky Krumlov, 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 Budapest or Cesky Krumlov?

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 Budapest or Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Cesky Krumlov. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In July, Budapest is generally around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cesky Krumlov this time of the year. In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Budapest 21°C (70°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Cesky Krumlov. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Budapest is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 108 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Cesky Krumlov. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cesky Krumlov can be very cold during winter. Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Budapest -1°C (31°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Budapest during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Budapest is generally around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 155 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Cesky Krumlov. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Budapest

Budapest Cesky Krumlov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)