Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Budapest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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 Oslo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Budapest is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Budapest travel costs.
Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife. See Oslo travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Oslo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its food. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oslo and Budapest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Oslo.
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.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oslo can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.
Oslo is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.
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.
Budapest is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.
Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.
Budapest is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.
Oslo does not have a historic old town.
Budapest is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.
Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.
Budapest is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.
Budapest is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the river, the city has beautiful buildings and nice parks.
Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.
Oslo is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Oslo is one of the most popular family destinations. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.
Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Budapest is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.
Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.
Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.
Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.
Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.
Budapest is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.
Students come from all over to stay in Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.
Budapest and Oslo both offer terrific 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.
Oslo has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.
Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.
It is easy to get around Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
Oslo is a very walkable city. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.
In either Budapest or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Budapest has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Budapest than Oslo. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.
Families should spend more time in Oslo than Budapest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Oslo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Oslo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Budapest that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Oslo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Budapest.
Budapest is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
The city of Oslo offers nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Budapest is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Oslo 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 Oslo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Budapest is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
The artistic city of Budapest offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.
Oslo 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.
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.
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 Budapest is $100, while the average daily cost in Oslo is $132. 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 Oslo in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Budapest or Oslo? 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:
Prices for flights to both Oslo 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo than you might in Budapest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Budapest Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Oslo, 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.
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.
Both Oslo and Budapest during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Budapest is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Budapest. In the summer, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.
Budapest usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Oslo. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Budapest is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Oslo. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Oslo. Many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Oslo can be very cold during winter. Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Budapest is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).
In the winter, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.
Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Oslo and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.
In April, Budapest is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Budapest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Budapest | Oslo | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
May | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |