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

Should you visit Imperia or Budva?

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

Should I visit Imperia 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: Imperia or Budva?

Imperia

Located in the region of Liguria, Imperia is a coastal city on Italy's northwest shoreline. Formed in 1923 by Mussolini with the combining of two major ports and several villages, Imperia today exists as a popular summer destination for visitors. It is known for its cultivation of flowers and olives as well as number of historic churches.

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 Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Imperia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Imperia is €108, while the average daily cost in Budva is €91. 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 Imperia and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Imperia 51
    Budva 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Imperia 102
    Budva 74
Compare Hotels in Imperia and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Imperia 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 Imperia


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: Imperia Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Imperia 36
    Budva 20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

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


  • Daily Car Rental
    65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • Private Transfer Service in Montenegro: $29
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58
  • Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $58
  • Montenegro Airport Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
  • Tivat to Budva one way transfer: $102
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $117
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $139
  • Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Imperia or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Imperia 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
    Imperia 35
    Budva 31

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 : $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Imperia 13
    Budva 22

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $428

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
  • From Day Cruise to Boka Bay: $42
  • Great Cruise From Budva to Boka Bay in a Day: $43
  • 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
  • Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43
  • Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
  • Night Lights Kayak Adventure : $44
  • Soul of Montenegro: Kotor, Lovcen and Cetinje Day Tour: $61
  • Private Tour: Panoramic route around Skadar Lake: $65
  • Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $65
  • Private Boat Tour Adventure In Budva - Sightseeing & Snorkeling : $65
  • Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Imperia 7.50
    Budva 14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Imperia or Budva?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Imperia 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.