A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

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Should you visit Budapest or Florence?

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 Florence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

How is Budapest different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Budapest or Florence better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Florence.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

The museums and tourist attractions in Florence are world-renowned. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.


Is Budapest or Florence better for Food?

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Florence a bit more than Budapest.

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Budapest. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Florence better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is comparable in Budapest and Florence.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Budapest or Florence better for Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Florence both offer plenty of spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Florence is well-known for its shopping. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Budapest or Florence better for Families?

You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Budapest or Florence.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.


Is Budapest or Florence better for Couples?

Both Budapest and Florence are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Is Budapest or Florence better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Budapest and Florence are fairly comparable places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Is Budapest or Florence better for Students?

For students, both Budapest and Florence are fairly comparable places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Is Budapest or Florence better for Public Transit?

Budapest has better public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.


Is Budapest or Florence a more walkable city?

Budapest and Florence are similar when it comes to walkability.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

Budapest and Florence: Pros and Cons

Budapest
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for food
Florence
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Public transit not as usable


Should I spend more time in Florence or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Florence?

Both Budapest and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than Budapest.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Budapest is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Florence is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Budapest or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Budapest 2-5 
    Florence 2-7

One day in Budapest or Florence?

Budapest is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful city of Florence offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or Florence?

Budapest is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Budapest, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area.

Florence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area.

Five days in Budapest or Florence?

Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Budapest, five days is sufficent for most. The entire area has lots to do.

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, five days is sufficent for most. The entire area has lots to do.


A week in Budapest or Florence?

Budapest is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Which city is cheaper, Florence or Budapest?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $70, while the average daily cost in Florence is $126. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Budapest and Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Budapest $38
    Florence $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Budapest $76
    Florence $146

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Budapest $8.25
    Florence $18
Typical Local Transportation prices in Budapest

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $6.74
  • Metro Pass
    $3.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

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

  • Luxury transfer from Budapest to Zagreb with 5+ stops along the way: $1,081
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $987
  • Private Budapest-Ljubljana(Ljubljana- Budapest)Transfer with a comfortable car: $871
  • Private Transfer to Bucharest from Budapest (Hungary): $809
  • Budapest -Belgrade(Belgrade-Budapest)private transfer with a comfortable car/van: $809
  • Budapest-Prague (Prague-Budapest) private transfer with a comfortable car / van: $759
  • From Budapest to Frankfurt Airport Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $705
  • One-way Transfer from Budapest Airport to Prague City Centre: $695
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $683
  • Budapest - Kraków(Kraków -Budapest) private transfer with a comfortable car /van: $666
  • Private transfer from airport Budapest (BUD) to Ljubljana: $664
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Prague: $664

Typical Local Transportation prices in Florence

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


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    $8.41
  • Taxi from Airport
    $26
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    $32
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    $5.26
  • Bus From Airport
    $5.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

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

  • Florence to Turin Private Car/Van Transfer: $1,460
  • One Way Private Transfer: Florence to Rome with Visit to San Gimignano and Siena: $1,332
  • Private transfer from all over Tuscany to any place on the Amalfi coast: $1,327
  • TRANSFER TOUR Florence to Milan with a food experience in Modena: $1,219
  • TRANSFER TOUR Florence to Venice with a stop in Verona: $1,120
  • TRANSFER TOUR Florence to Rome with a wine experience in MONTEPULCIANO: $1,120
  • Florence to Rome luxury transfer with Assisi & Orvieto tour and light lunch: $995
  • Private transfer from all over Tuscany to any place on the Amalfi coast: $995
  • Private Transfer from Firenze to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $989
  • Direct Transfer from Florence Hotel To Rome Hotel: $967
  • Private transfer Florence to Venice through Padova or vice versa: $925
  • Private Transfer from Accommodation in FLORENCE to Accommodation in ROME: $857

Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence 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 $17
    Florence $27
Typical Food prices in Budapest

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


  • Lunch
    $3.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

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

  • Lángos (hungarian streetfood) cooking class: $19
  • Dinner & Cruise on the Danube in Budapest: $23
  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • 3-Hour Dinner Cruise and Piano Battle Show: $31
  • Vegan Food Tour / Local delights: $36
  • Private Budapest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $37
  • Live from Hungarian Online Cooking class: $39
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour Night & The City Budapest: $47
  • Food Tour in Budapest: $50
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour of Trendy Budapest: $51
  • BBQ dinner and a Quiz Night - welcome shots (hungaricums) and 88 craft beers: $52
  • 2-Hours Strudel Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Central Budapest: $53

Typical Food prices in Florence

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


  • Panini Sandwich
    $6.84
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

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

  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $40
  • Vegetarian pasta cooking class and dinner in Florence: $54
  • Cooking with Kids 3-Hour Experience: $60
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
  • Handmade Pasta and Dessert Cooking Class with Dinner: $62
  • Handmade Tagliatelle cooking class in Florence: $72
  • Pizza Dinner and Opera Arias Concert: $74
  • Food Tour in 3-Hour Walking Tour: $76
  • 4-Course Cooking Experience in Florence: $78
  • Tuscan Cooking Course with Dinner: $78
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Budapest $18
    Florence $25
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
    $6.61

Tours and Activities in Budapest

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

  • "This is the Way!" - Budapest Photo Tour by Birta Photo: $124
  • 'Best of Pest' 3.5 Hour Private Photography Tour: $112
  • 1 Hour 30 Minutes Downtown Budapest Guided Segway Tour: $93
  • 1. Downtown Pest Side Segway Tour Budapest: $54
  • 10 days private sightseeing tour from Budapest to Prague: $3,109
  • 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Private Tour: $203
  • 2 Hour Budapest Market and Tasting Tour: $54
  • 2 Hours Cultural and Food Experiences in Budapest: $60
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Budapest: $11
  • 2 days Vienna - Bratislava PRIVATE guided tour package from Budapest with lunch: $1,070
  • 2 days Vienna - Wachau Valley PRIVATE guided tour package from Budapest: $1,070
  • 2 hours long private orientation tour in Budapest: $101

Typical Entertainment prices in Florence

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


  • Admission to Uffizi
    $12
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    $4.21
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    $105
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    $21
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    $6.31
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    $7.36

Tours and Activities in Florence

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

  • - Leonardo Interactive Museum® Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • 2 hours sunset walking tour: $112
  • 2-Nights Ferrari World and with Private Bologna Walking Tour from Florence: $1,058
  • 3 hours: Private walking tour of Florence and Accademia Gallery guided visit: $158
  • 3-Hour Private Florence Walking Tour: $112
  • 5 Terre Shared Tour - the best solution to see the 5 Lands - Ultimate Tour: $672
  • 5 Terre Shared Tour - the best way to see the 5 Lands - Ultimate 5 Terre Tour: $391
  • 5 Terre Tour and Portovenere - Swim in a Sea of Beauty - Ultimate 5 Terre Tour: $391
  • 5 Terre Tour and stop in Lucca - Swim in a Sea of Beauty - Ultimate 5 Terre Tour: $391
  • 5 Terre Tour and stop in Pisa - Swim in a Sea of Beauty - Ultimate 5 Terre Tour: $391
  • A Day at The Mall Luxury Outlets (Prada, Gucci) - Ultimate Shopping Experience: $261
  • Accademia Gallery Private Tour with 5-Star Guide: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Budapest $13
    Florence $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

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

  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $15
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $15
  • Original Budapest Pub Crawl and VIP Club Entrance: $16
  • Ultimate Ruin Pub Crawl: $18
  • Generation Pub Crawl Budapest: $19
  • Ruin Pub Crawl - Your Keys to the Nightlife of Budapest: $21
  • Budapest Pub Crawl: $24
  • Pest side Pub Crawl - Unlimited drinks for an hour, discover hidden ruin pubs: $25
  • Re-opening Pub Crawls 2020 Summer-Autumn: $25
  • Budapest Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access: $26
  • Epic Local Insider Pub Crawl in Budapest - Every weekend: $30
  • Party Cruise with Pub Crawl option: $37

Typical Alcohol prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    $4.42
  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.89

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

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

  • 60-Minute Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Chianti: Authentic Wine Tasting Experience from Florence: $52
  • Sunset Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $62
  • Florence Sunset Wine Tour: $64
  • Pienza and Montepulciano Full-Day Wine Tour: $79
  • From Tuscany Wine Tasting Full-Day Trip: $87
  • From Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany: $90
  • Florence in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing: $136
  • From Tuscany by E-Bike with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $147
  • Private Ramble Through The Rolling Hills Of Chianti (6 h) + Lunch & Wine tasting: $174
  • Just a Taste but What a Taste - Half Day Wine Tour in Tuscany (Private Tour): $180
  • Florence Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch in a Vintage Fiat 500: $187

About these numbers

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

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Budapest vs. Florence Travel Comparison

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