A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cardiff vs. Pecs for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cardiff or Pecs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cardiff or Pecs? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Cardiff or Pecs?

Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.

Pecs

Located in southwest Hungary, Pecs is a pleasant university town with a history that dates back to Roman times - a history evident in its ancient architecture. Some of the most sought after sites include the Early Christian Necropolis, the Mosque of Pasha Quasim, and the Cathedral of Pecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Hungary, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Pecs or Cardiff?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is £156, while the average daily cost in Pecs is £64. 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 Cardiff and Pecs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff £93
    Pecs £30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff £186
    Pecs £60
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Pecs

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Pecs? 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 Cardiff


Hotels in Pecs


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: Cardiff Hotel Prices and Pecs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff £21
    Pecs £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pecs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pecs:

  • Pécs - Budapest Transfer: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Pecs?

Prices for flights to both Pecs and Cardiff 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
    Cardiff £44
    Pecs £23

Typical Food Prices in Pecs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pecs:


  • Dinner for Two
    £20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cardiff £25
    Pecs £14

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
  • Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
  • Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
  • Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Pecs

Here are a few actual costs in Pecs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mineral Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cardiff £13
    Pecs £6.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

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

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Pecs?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Pecs. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Pecs, 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 Cardiff or Pecs?

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 Cardiff or Pecs in the Summer?

Both Pecs and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Pecs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Pecs averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Pecs. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pecs. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Pecs 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Pecs in the Autumn?

Both Pecs and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cardiff is generally cooler than Pecs. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Pecs fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Pecs. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 169 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Pecs. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Pecs 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Pecs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Pecs. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pecs. It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. Cardiff is much warmer than Pecs in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Pecs fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Pecs. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Pecs 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Pecs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Pecs. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cardiff is cooler than Pecs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Pecs averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pecs. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 187 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Pecs. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Pecs 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pecs and Cardiff

Cardiff Pecs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)