Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Ho Chi Minh City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
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 Ho Chi Minh City and Budapest can help you decide which place is right for you.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, colorful, and busy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, theater, and nightlife.
Budapest
Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.
Ho Chi Minh City and Budapest: Pros and Cons
Ho Chi Minh City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Budapest
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
- Less family-friendly
Is there more to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Budapest, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ho Chi Minh City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Budapest is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Ho Chi Minh City is popular for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. It is also home to the War Remnants Museum. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.
How is Ho Chi Minh City different from Budapest?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
The museums and tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are world-renowned. It's a day trip outside of town, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see stop for any visitor. The War Remnants Museum is also a not-to-be-missed spot. Other highlights of the city include Thiên Hau Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Saigon Opera House, and the Reunification Palace.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest Better for Theater?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Ho Chi Minh City is very good for its theatre productions. However, Budapest is not a theatre destination.
If you have some extra time in Ho Chi Minh City, take in a show. Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rural areas and was brought to the city. It is a fun cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy. You can see it at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.
Budapest is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Ho Chi Minh City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city, arguably, has some of the best food in Vietnam. You'll find everything from food stalls selling mouthwatering street food to luxury restaurants preparing traditional dishes with a modern twist. Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho (Vietnamese soup) are the most well known dishes around town, but also try the Bún mắm (a noodle dish) and Bún bò Huế (a beef based soup).
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.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest Better for Nightlife?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.
Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see party destination. The city never settles down and you'll find all night parties and dance clubs open into the early hours. Backpackers keep the energy high, but there are also luxury clubs and more relaxed places where you can have a good night out if the backpacker thing isn't your scene.
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.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest Better for its Old Town?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Budapest is great for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.
There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. 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.
Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Ho Chi Minh City draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with a mix of modern shopping centers and local shops selling traditional items. You'll find international brands as well as uniquely Vietnamese products. The city also has some of the best boutique shopping opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest Better for Families?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Ho Chi Minh City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids may feel overwhelmed at first, but they're sure to fall in love with the energy and kid-friendly activities in this city. There are traditional water puppet shows, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun parks. There's also the Suoi Tien Theme Park, smaller water parks, zoos, and art museums to explore.
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.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest Better for Couples?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Both Ho Chi Minh City and Budapest are very good destinations to visit as a couple.
Ho Chi Minh City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene with excellent restaurants, great parks, and countless day trips, this is the ultimate couple's getaway.
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.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
For backpackers, both Ho Chi Minh City and Budapest are fantastic places to visit.
A large number of backpackers visit Ho Chi Minh City, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's well established on the Southeast Asian backpacker's circuit and you'll find no shortage of hostels in town. You'll find a good number of backpackers in District 1 of the city, near Ben Thanh Market. Many backpackers also arrange trips to the Mekong Delta or elsewhere in Thailand while they're here.
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.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest Better for Students?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Budapest is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.
Ho Chi Minh City is a good city to visit for students. Study abroad students appreciate the city's energy and plethora of activities. It also makes a good base for trips to other parts of Southeast Asia.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Budapest is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City is not a good destination for its public transit.
With a huge network, the transit system in Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.
Public transit is generally limited in Ho Chi Minh City. There are public buses around town but motorbike taxis and regular taxis are likely your best bet for getting around.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest a more walkable city?
Ho Chi Minh City
Budapest
Budapest is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
Ho Chi Minh City is somewhat walkable. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.
For even more information, also check out Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Budapest or Ho Chi Minh City?
How long in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
In either Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Ho Chi Minh City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Ho Chi Minh City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.
Families should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Budapest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ho Chi Minh City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City than Budapest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ho Chi Minh City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
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How many days in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest? Ideal Length of StayHo Chi Minh City 3-4Budapest 2-5
One day in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
Ho Chi Minh City is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the artistic big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
A weekend in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
Ho Chi Minh City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the historic city of Budapest. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Five days in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
Ho Chi Minh City 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.
Budapest is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $81Budapest $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $81, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $89. 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $49Budapest $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $98Budapest $98
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Budapest
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Budapest $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.40
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Taxi From Airport$7.99
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh Transfer 5-Days Trip by Private Car: $613
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh: $358
- Private Taxi Transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh: $358
- Private Taxi transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh: $358
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City: $358
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Phnom Penh: $290
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Nha Trang: $273
- Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City - Chau Doc/Rach Gia: $268
- Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City Center/ Airport - Mui Ne/Phan Thiet: $258
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Vinh City to Hanoi (HAN) Airport: $257
- Private Transfer from Cam Ranh to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $244
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Ha Tien Pier: $228
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride$6.91
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Metro Pass$3.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,568
- Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,285
- Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,055
- Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $927
- Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $703
- From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Budapest: $642
- Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $639
- Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $586
- Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $469
- Budapest-Vienna One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
- Budapest-Bratislava One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest and Ho Chi Minh City 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
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Food Meals for one dayHo Chi Minh City $14Budapest $23
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.27
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Pizza$5.19
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Sweet Rice$1.20
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Pork Sandwich$0.60
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.78
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Western Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike (Unique & Authentic): $26
- Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike +Sightseeing SAFE & FUN: $27
- Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
- Private Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Ho Chi Minh: Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Private 4-Hour Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
- HO CHI MINH Street Food Tour and Vietnamese Coffee: $30
- Private Saigon Street Food Tour On SCOOTER OR WALKING TOUR: $30
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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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:
- Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- 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
- Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
- 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: $91
- Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93
- Hungarian Cooking Class - Foodapest: $94
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $20Budapest $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Massage$5.59
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Chan May Port to Hoi An Ancient Town & Marble Mountains Car/Tour: $10
- Cu Chi Tunnels half day tours: $39
- From Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne 3 Days Tour | 4 Star Beach Resort : $170
- Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $70
- Mekong Delta Discovery Day Tour - My Tho - Ben Tre: $46
- Mui Ne,Fairy Spring, Sand dunes, Fishing Village, Private Tour: $290
- Non-Touristy Mekong Delta with Biking in Ben Tre Private Tour: $40
- Vietnam Classic Day Tour in Ho Chi Minh with Cu Chi Tunnels: $18
- 'Cost-Saving' Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour: $54
- 'Cost-Saving' Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour: $65
- 1 Day Luxury Tour of Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels by Mini Van: $48
- 1 Day Small Group Tour in Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta: $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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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.
- Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
- Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
- 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $185
- 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
- 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
- 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $156
- 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $59
- 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
- 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
- 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
- 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.98Budapest $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Beer$0.40
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
- 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
- Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
- 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
When comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City 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. Even though Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia and Budapest is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Budapest?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City 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.
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.