Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Budapest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Budapest or Podgorica?
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 Podgorica can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Budapest or Podgorica?
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.
Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBudapest $89Podgorica $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $89, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is $114. 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 Podgorica in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBudapest $49Podgorica $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBudapest $98Podgorica $100
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Podgorica
Looking for a hotel in Budapest or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Budapest $10Podgorica $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
-
Short Taxi Ride$6.91
-
Metro Pass$3.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Airport Shuttle Bus Transfer: $13
- Budapest Airport Private Departure Transfer : City to Airport: $16
- Budapest Private Arrival Transfer: Railway station to hotels: $16
- Premier Outlet Shopping Transfer from City Center: $16
- Private Transfer Budapest City to Ferenc Liszt Airport(BUD): $22
- Private One-Way Budapest Int Airport Transfer To/From Budapest: $24
- Private Transfer from Budapest city to Budapest Airport - departure: $25
- Budapest to Ferenc Liszt Intl Airport-Departure Private Transfer : $25
- Ferenc Liszt Intl Airport to Budapest - Arrival Private Transfer : $25
- Budapest Airport Transfers: $26
- Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest by car or van: $34
- Budapest Airport - Budapest City Transfer: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- Private transfer from Podgorica Airport or city to Tirana Airport: $271
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Sarajevo: $270
- Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $249
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Herceg Novi: $154
- Private Transfer from Podgorica to Herceg Novi : $154
- VAN Private transfers from Airport Podgorica and city to Budva: $119
- Private transfer from Podgorica to Ostrog monastery (minivan): $116
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $107
- Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $90
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Bar (and viceversa): $90
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Podgorica?
Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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 dayBudapest $23Podgorica $44
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
-
Lunch$3.37
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: $45
- Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
- Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights: $57
- Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $73
- Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
- Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $85
- Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
- Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $90
- Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93
- Hungarian Cooking Class - Foodapest: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Budapest $22Podgorica $22
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$6.77
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Free Tour Budapest Essential in Spanish: $3.25
- Alternative Street Art Walking Tour of Budapest: $3.26
- Communist History Evening Walking Tour of Budapest: $3.26
- Free Walking Tour Budapest incl. the Shoes on the Danube Bank: $3.26
- Guided Tour in Budapest Castle District: $3.26
- Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Walking Tour: $3.26
- Past and Present of Budapest Jewish District Tour: $3.26
- Free walking tour in the Buda Castle incl. Fisherman's Bastion: $3.26
- Budapest Castle District Walking Tour: $3.26
- Self Guided City Audio Tour in Buda Castle: $5.44
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.85
Tours and Activities in Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $331
- Bay of Kotor hiking experience - Montenegro Travel Club private tour: $184
- Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $175
- Boat Cruise Viktor Skadar LakeVirpazar Kom MonasteryVirpazar: $16
- Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $56
- Book Your Montenegro Tour: $99
- Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
- Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $70
- Durmitor - Black Lake & Tara River Canyon - North Montenegro tour: $223
- Durmitor National Park, Northern Fairy Tail -private tour from Podgorica: $178
- Family Adventures in A Journey of Discovery: $104
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBudapest $18Podgorica $22
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: $21
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
- Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $27
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
- Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
- Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50
- Budapest - Opera Gin Distillery Tour: $51
- Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest with T-shirt Included: $53
- All You Can Drink Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest: $59
Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:
- Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
- Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $92
- Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $105
- Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $119
- Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
- National parks and wine tasting (NP Lovcen, NP Skadar lake, Cetinje, Njegusi): $158
- Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $195
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Podgorica, we can see that Podgorica 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 Podgorica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Podgorica 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 Podgorica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Budapest or Podgorica?
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?
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 Podgorica in the Summer?
Both Podgorica 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.
In July, Budapest is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
In Podgorica, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Budapest. In the summer, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun.
Budapest usually gets more rain in July than Podgorica. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBudapest 21°C (70°F)Podgorica 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Podgorica in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Podgorica. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Budapest is cooler than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBudapest 12°C (53°F)Podgorica 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Podgorica in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Podgorica. Many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Podgorica. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBudapest -1°C (31°F)Podgorica 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Podgorica in the Spring?
Both Podgorica 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.
In April, Budapest is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBudapest 12°C (53°F)Podgorica 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Podgorica and Budapest
| Budapest | Podgorica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.