Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar and Budapest can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Located in northeast Romania, Cluj-Napoca is the capital of the Transylvania region and one of the nation's most-visited cities. Many visitors come to experience the modern Transylvanian university culture, admire historic churches and other landmarks, see fortress ruins, and visit museums.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Romania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Romania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar is $85, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $90. 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar and Budapest in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar or Budapest? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar:
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:
Prices for flights to both Budapest and Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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:
Here are a few actual costs in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar:
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar and Budapest, we can see that Budapest is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar. When comparing the sizes of Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar and Budapest, 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.