A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubrovnik vs. Budva for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Budva?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Budva? 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: Dubrovnik or Budva?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

Budva

A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Dubrovnik?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $106, while the average daily cost in Budva is $99. 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 Dubrovnik and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik $55
    Budva $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik $110
    Budva $80
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik or Budva? 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 Dubrovnik


Hotels in Budva


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik $14
    Budva $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dubrovnik City Private Departure Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport : $33
  • AirPort Transfers Dubrovnik by CRUISER TAXI: $33
  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $28
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $254
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $265
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $57
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik in Luxury Van: $54
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $23
  • Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $55
  • Departure Private Transfers: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV in Business Car: $49
  • Departure Private Transfers: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV in Luxury Van: $54
  • Direct And Private Transfer From Dubrovnik To Split: $72

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:


  • Daily Car Rental
    $71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • Taxi Transfer Budva to Mostar: $248
  • Taxi Transfer Budva to Durres: $248
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik: $228
  • Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Dubrovnik airport: $198
  • Private Transfer from Ulcinj to Tivat Airport (TIV): $176
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $141
  • Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $115
  • Private transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik City: $99
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $73
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Tivat Airport (TIV): $68
  • Montenegro Airport Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik $36
    Budva $34
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $81
  • Food Tour: Taste Dubrovnik: $98
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $129
  • Old Town Food Tour: $146
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $149
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $180
  • 3 Hour Sites and Bites Food Tour in Dubrovnik: $194
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $201
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $204
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $212
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $217
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Budva.

  • Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik $21
    Budva $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $15
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $58
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $49

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.43
  • Self-guided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.51
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.52
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Medieval Adventure City Game: $7.05
  • Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.15
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
  • Shell Museum Private Guided Tour: $7.71
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.69
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Audio Guide Tour: $8.81

Tours and Activities in Budva

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

  • 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
  • Blue Cave Tour on Kayaks in Montenegro: $83
  • Boat Trip In Budva With A Local -Sightseeing & Snorkeling : $55
  • Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $67
  • Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
  • Budva City Tour: $110
  • Budva old town private tour: $174
  • 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
  • City Private Tour: $128
  • Exploring Caves & Private Boat Tour: $71
  • Hidden paradise tour with snorkeling and lunch: $217
  • Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik $15
    Budva $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $55
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $71
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $76
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $81
  • Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Korcula & Peljesac Wine Tasting Group Tour from Dubrovnik: $85
  • Full Day Korcula and Peljesac Wine Tasting Tour in Dubrovnik: $86
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $87
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $94
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97


When comparing the travel costs between Dubrovnik and Budva, we can see that Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Budva?

Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik and Budva, 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.