Which city is cheaper, Kotor or Budapest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. Kotor for Food, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Couples
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Should you visit Budapest or Kotor?
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 Kotor can help you decide which place is right for you.
Budapest
Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.
Kotor
Kotor is a dramatic, scenic, and beautiful coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.
Budapest and Kotor: Pros and Cons
Budapest
Pros- Good nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
Kotor
Pros- Popular for food and cuisine
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Small town charm
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less popular for nightlife
- Public transit not as usable
How is Budapest different from Kotor?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor and Budapest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Budapest or Kotor Better for Food?
Budapest
Kotor
Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Kotor a bit more than Budapest.
Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.
Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?
Budapest
Kotor
For nightlife, head to Budapest instead of Kotor.
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.
Most people don't head to Kotor specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.
Is Budapest or Kotor Better for Families?
Budapest
Kotor
You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Budapest or Kotor.
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.
Kotor is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.
Is Budapest or Kotor Better for Couples?
Budapest
Kotor
Both Budapest and Kotor 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.
Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.
Is Budapest or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Budapest
Kotor
For backpackers, both Budapest and Kotor are fairly comparable places to visit.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.
Kotor is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.
Is Budapest or Kotor Better for Public Transit?
Budapest
Kotor
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.
Public transit is generally limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.
Is Budapest or Kotor a more walkable city?
Budapest
Kotor
Budapest and Kotor 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.
It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.
Should I spend more time in Kotor or Budapest?
How long in Budapest or Kotor?
It's fun to spend time in either Budapest or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Budapest due to the larger number of activities and things to do.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Budapest is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Kotor is 3-4 days.
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How many days in Budapest or Kotor? Ideal Length of StayBudapest 2-5Kotor 3-4
One day in Budapest or Kotor?
Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Kotor?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Five days in Budapest or Kotor?
Budapest is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Kotor is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
A week in Budapest or Kotor?
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the cultural big city of Budapest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Kotor is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBudapest $73Kotor $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $73, while the average daily cost in Kotor is $87. 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 Kotor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBudapest $40Kotor $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBudapest $80Kotor $86
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Kotor
Looking for a hotel in Budapest or Kotor? 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: Budapest Hotel Prices and Kotor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Budapest $8.69Kotor $8.05
Typical Local Transportation prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride$7.10
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Metro Pass$3.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer Budapest: $32
- Airport Transfer Budapest: $50
- Airport and Hotel transfer: $31
- Airport transfer with guided tour: $216
- Arrival Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest City by Luxury Van: $93
- Arrival Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest City in Business Car: $62
- Arrival Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest City in Standard Car: $57
- Budapest - Belgrade Transfer: $349
- Budapest - Bratislava Transfer: $202
- Budapest - Bratislava transfer: $180
- Budapest - Brno (Brno - Budapest) private transfer with a comfortable car / van: $485
- Budapest - Bük Transfer: $171
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:
- One way private transfer Kotor-Mostar: $336
- Kotor - Dubrovnik: Private One-Way Transfer with Mercedes Vehicles: $332
- Kotor - Mostar - one way private transfer: $236
- Private Transfer from Kotor to Split, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $234
- Kotor to Tirana Transfer: $218
- Private Transfer from Kotor to Tivat Airport (TIV): $77
- Private Transfer from Kotor to Tivat airport: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Kotor?
Prices for flights to both Kotor 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
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Food Meals for one dayBudapest $18Kotor $37
Typical Food prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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Lunch$3.46
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kotor.
- Dinner Cruise: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Budapest $19Kotor $7.24
Typical Entertainment prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to the Baths for Two$6.96
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Budapest Private Tour: Buda Castle District Exploration Game: $3.72
- Discovering Explore the city's hot pools and heroes on an audio tour: $5.00
- Private Budapest Ghost Tour: Haunted City Exploration Game: $5.65
- Digital 100-Sights City Tour: $5.67
- Urban Tour of the Outer viii district Budapest: $6.22
- Guided Tour in Budapest Castle District: $6.22
- The Legendary Vampires at the Castle's Court Audio Tour: $6.59
- Alternative Street Tip Based Walking Tour of Budapest: $6.77
- Aeropark Admission Ticket: $6.91
- Budapest Downtown and Inner City E-Scooter Tour: $7.46
- Skip the Line: Aeropark Aviation Museum Entrance Ticket: $8.01
- Robert Capa Contemporary Photograhy Center Visit Ticket: $8.71
Tours and Activities in Kotor
Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Hours Speed Boat tour to the Blue Cave: $37
- 4-Hour Private Kotor Bay Boat Tour with Lunch and Wine Taste: $423
- ATV Tour Žabljak Crnojevića: $277
- Adriatic Jewels Tour: Budva – Saint Stefan – Tivat: $242
- Adventure park ’Lovcen’ and Njegos’s Mausoleum: $220
- All inclusive - Lovcen tour: $83
- Ancient Budva & Unique St.Stephen Shore Tour: $62
- Aphrodisiac Boat Tour: $306
- Bay of Kotor Private Speed Boat Tour & Visit to Kotor and Perast: $231
- Bay of 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour: $40
- Bike & hike tour: $83
- Blue Adriatic Cruising Tour: $319
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBudapest $13Kotor $7.40
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:
- Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $179
- Traditional and Modern Mixed Wine Tour: $242
- Gastronomic and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $721
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Kotor, we can see that Kotor 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 Kotor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kotor than you might in Budapest.
When is the best time to visit Budapest or Kotor?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Budapest or Kotor in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Kotor. The summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.
In July, Budapest is generally cooler than Kotor. Temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Kotor stays around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In the summer, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.
Budapest usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kotor. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBudapest 21°C (70°F)Kotor 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Kotor in the Autumn?
Both Kotor and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Budapest is cooler than Kotor in the autumn. The temperature in Budapest is usually 12°C (53°F) in October, and Kotor stays around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Kotor. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Kotor. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBudapest 12°C (53°F)Kotor 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Kotor in the Winter?
Both Kotor and Budapest during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January are around -1°C (31°F), and Kotor is about 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.
Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBudapest -1°C (31°F)Kotor 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Kotor in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Kotor. Many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Budapest is generally cooler than Kotor. Temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Kotor stays around 14°C (58°F).
Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Kotor. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBudapest 12°C (53°F)Kotor 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kotor and Budapest
| Budapest | Kotor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 215 mm (8.5 in) |
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