Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Lake Garda?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lake Garda or Mostar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lake Garda or Mostar? 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: Lake Garda or Mostar?
Lake Garda
As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.
Mostar
Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLake Garda €166Mostar €65
The average daily cost (per person) in Lake Garda is €166, while the average daily cost in Mostar is €65. 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 Lake Garda and Mostar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLake Garda €84Mostar €34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLake Garda €168Mostar €68
Compare Hotels in Lake Garda and Mostar
Looking for a hotel in Lake Garda or Mostar? 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: Mostar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lake Garda €66Mostar €8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda
Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
- Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:
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Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)€20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:
- Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $174
- Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
- Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
- Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
- Split to Dubrovnik via Mostar Private Transfer: $524
- Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291
Is it cheaper to fly into Lake Garda or Mostar?
Prices for flights to both Mostar and Lake Garda 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 dayLake Garda €42Mostar €24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
- Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
- Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93
Typical Food Prices in Mostar
Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:
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A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)€14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mostar.
- Mostar street food tour: $57
- Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
- Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lake Garda €30Mostar €8.78
Tours and Activities in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.62
- Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
- Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $20
- From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
- Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $27
- Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
- Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
- Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
- Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
- Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44
- Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione from Garda/Bardolino: $48
- From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
Tours and Activities in Mostar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mostar are as follows:
- Charming Private Mostar Walking Tour: $43
- 2-Hour Cultural Walking Tour in One City-Three Stories of Mostar: $55
- Absolute Herzegovina Adventure - Kravice Waterfalls, Sky Walk, Blagaj, Pocitelj: $65
- All Inclusive Neretva Rafting, Day Tour from Mostar: $147
- Ancient Roman Horseback Riding Experience: $49
- Authentic Medjugorje Tour: $82
- Authentic Tour Mostar, Medjugorje, Karavice - Farm To Table: $535
- Captivating Mostar - Walking Tour for Couples: $277
- Captivating Mostar - Walking Tour for Couples: $142
- Christmas Charms in Mostar - Walking Tour: $384
- Discover Herzegovina Day Tour from Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj, Počitelj: $54
- Discovering The Karstic Landscapes - Hiking Day Tour from Mostar: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLake Garda €19Mostar €3.47
Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda
Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
- Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
- Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
- Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
- Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
- Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
- Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
- E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
- E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
- Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
- Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98
Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:
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A Few Drinks (for 2)€6.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:
- 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
- Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake Garda and Mostar, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Mostar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mostar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mostar 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Mostar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lake Garda Expensive? and Is Mostar Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lake Garda or Mostar?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Lake Garda or Mostar in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Lake Garda as well as Mostar. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.
In the summer, Lake Garda is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake Garda in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Mostar averages at about 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mostar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In the summer, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Lake Garda gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun.
Lake Garda usually gets more rain in July than Mostar. Lake Garda gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLake Garda 24°C (75°F)Mostar 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Lake Garda or Mostar in the Autumn?
Both Mostar and Lake Garda are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Lake Garda is generally cooler than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Lake Garda average around 14°C (57°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during autumn. Lake Garda gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mostar. In October, Lake Garda usually receives less rain than Mostar. Lake Garda gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLake Garda 14°C (57°F)Mostar 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Lake Garda or Mostar in the Winter?
Both Mostar and Lake Garda during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lake Garda in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Lake Garda can get quite cold in the winter. Lake Garda is much colder than Mostar in the winter. The daily temperature in Lake Garda averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Lake Garda gets 98 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun.
Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lake Garda usually gets less rain in January than Mostar. Lake Garda gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLake Garda 2°C (36°F)Mostar 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Lake Garda or Mostar in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake Garda and Mostar. Most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Lake Garda is cooler than Mostar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake Garda in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Mostar averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Lake Garda usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar during spring. Lake Garda gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mostar receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lake Garda usually receives less rain than Mostar. Lake Garda gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLake Garda 13°C (55°F)Mostar 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Mostar and Lake Garda
| Lake Garda | Mostar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
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.