Which place is cheaper, Budva or Ljubljana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ljubljana or Budva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ljubljana or Budva, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Ljubljana or Budva?
Ljubljana
Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLjubljana €86Budva €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Ljubljana is €86, 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 Ljubljana and Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLjubljana €54Budva €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLjubljana €108Budva €74
Compare Hotels in Ljubljana and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Ljubljana 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.
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: Ljubljana Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ljubljana €21Budva €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana
Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Private Transfer Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport by Business Car: $66
- E-bike experience between vineyards of Goriška Brda - transfer from Ljubljana: $148
- Ljubljana Airport Private Transfer : $104
- Ljubljana Airport to Moravske Toplice-Arrival Private Transfer: $87
- Ljubljana to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
- Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer.Price per car.: $63
- Ljubljana-Zagreb. Private transfer.Price per car: $216
- Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $13
- Guided Truffle Hunting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $374
- Private Transfer from Brnik Airport to Ljubljana Centre: $28
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana: $524
- Private Transfer from Celje to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $214
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
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Daily Car Rental€65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- Taxi Transfer Budva to Tirana: $294
- Private Transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik: $272
- Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Dubrovnik airport: $240
- Private Transfer from Sveti Stefan to Dubrovnik airport: $218
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $179
- Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $139
- Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $117
- Tivat to Budva one way transfer: $102
- Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $82
- Montenegro Airport Transfer: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Ljubljana or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva and Ljubljana 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 dayLjubljana €17Budva €31
Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:
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Horsemeat Hot Dog€2.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana
For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
- Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $64
- Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $64
- sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $66
- Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
- Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
- Dinner in the Dark: $86
- 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
- Dinner in the Dark: $106
- Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $128
- The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $210
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ljubljana €14Budva €22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana
For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)€8.00
Tours and Activities in Ljubljana
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $6.31
- Ljubljana City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Ljubljana:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- From Swamp to State: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Ljubljana: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $13
- Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $13
- House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
- Self-Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Virtual Reality Gaming Experience Ljubljana: $17
- Tour of the Festive Decorations: $18
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: $82
- Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66
- Budva Bay Boat Tour - Exploring Budva With A Local: $70
- Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
- Budva old town private tour: $172
- Budva private day tour from Kotor: $310
- Budva/Petrovac: Premium Paragliding Experience: $107
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
- City Private Tour: $126
- Exploring Caves & Private Boat Tour: $70
- Hidden paradise tour with snorkeling and lunch: $214
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLjubljana €11Budva €14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:
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Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)€6.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:
- Craft brewery tour and beer tasting, Tour the Brew, Tekotnik : $28
- Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
- 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
- BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $83
- Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $93
- Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $97
- From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $191
- Wine Tours in Slovenia: $217
- Wine Tour Slovenia: $261
- Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting In Istria (private V.i.p. Tour): $263
When comparing the travel costs between Ljubljana and Budva, we can see that Budva 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 Ljubljana Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ljubljana or Budva?
Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Ljubljana 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.
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.