Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv or Kos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kos or Plovdiv?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Plovdiv 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.
Where Should I go: Kos or Plovdiv?
Kos
Kos is a Greek island and third largest island of the Dodecanese group, located near the Turkish coast in the southeast Aegean Sea. It is best known for its beautiful sandy beaches, which make it a popular tourist destination, as well as its ancient Greek and Roman landmarks.
Plovdiv
Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKos €134Plovdiv €75
The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, while the average daily cost in Plovdiv is €75. 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 Kos and Plovdiv in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKos €62Plovdiv €41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKos €124Plovdiv €82
Compare Hotels in Kos and Plovdiv
Looking for a hotel in Kos or Plovdiv? 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: Kos Hotel Prices and Plovdiv Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kos €37Plovdiv €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos
Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip Minivan Transfer to Therma Natural Spa Beach: $23
- Private arrival Transfer from Kos Airport to any resort in the island: $84
- Lido Water Park Admission Ticket with Transfers: $24
- Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing: $27
- Paradise Beach Return Transfer: $24
- Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
- Kos Private Transfer Services: $59
- Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $59
- Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $64
- Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $54
- Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $59
- From Kalymnos Self-Guided Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv
Also for Plovdiv, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $103
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $190
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Borovets: $103
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Plovdiv?
Prices for flights to both Plovdiv and Kos 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 dayKos €43Plovdiv €20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos
For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
- Sunset Cruise with Swimming and BBQ Dinner: $62
- Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $65
- Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $85
- Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $90
- Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $95
- Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $97
- Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kos €33Plovdiv €14
Tours and Activities in Kos
For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $29
- From Boat Tour to the Volcanic Island of Nisyros: $37
- From Cruise to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati with Lunch: $40
- From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $32
- From Nissyros guided island tour and volcano: $56
- From Pserimos Island Snorkeling Cruise by Diving Boat: $53
- From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
- From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $32
- Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos: $38
- Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup: $33
- Full-Day 3 Island Cruise Tour in Kos Island: $37
- Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33
Tours and Activities in Plovdiv
For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 5-Day Guided Tour to Sofia, Plovdiv and Istanbul: $485
- Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv: $81
- Communist Heritage Tour- Buzludzha and The Might of the East Block Aviation: $98
- Day Tour from Plovdiv full with History, Nature & Forgotten Village Experiences: $144
- Exclusive Private Tour in the Thracian Valley from Sofia: $93
- Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $38
- From Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour: $81
- From Musala Peak Full-Day Trekking Tour: $130
- From Sofia - A Story of an Ancient State Day Tour: $95
- Full Day Archeological tour of Plovdiv and the Region: $97
- Full Day Eco Private Tour in Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv: $134
- Full Day Eco Private Tour in Plovdiv: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKos €19Plovdiv €8.99
Sample the Local Flavors in Kos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:
- Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $59
- From Tour of 2 Wineries with Wine Tasting & Small Bites: $63
- Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $149
Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:
- Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $21
- Old Town Exploring Guide Roman Ruins & Wine Tasting: $80
- Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $91
- Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $107
- From Sofia: Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Tour With Wine Tasting: $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kos and Plovdiv, we can see that Kos is more expensive. And not only is Plovdiv much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plovdiv would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plovdiv 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 Kos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kos than you might in Plovdiv.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kos Expensive? and Is Plovdiv Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kos or Plovdiv?
Plovdiv has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Plovdiv, 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.