A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mamaia vs. Sarajevo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mamaia or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Mamaia or Sarajevo? 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: Mamaia or Sarajevo?

Mamaia

The most popular beach resort in Romania, Mamaia sits on an 8-kilometer wisp of land between Lake Siutghiol and the Black Sea. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and an aqua park, the resort area is a party-goer's destination with endless opportunities for fun in the sun and nighttime merriment.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Romania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Mamaia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mamaia is $65, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $71. 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 Mamaia and Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mamaia $25
    Sarajevo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mamaia $50
    Sarajevo $56
Compare Hotels in Mamaia and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Mamaia or Sarajevo? 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 Mamaia


Hotels in Sarajevo


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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mamaia $27
    Sarajevo $7.15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mamaia

Also for Mamaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Constanta to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $176
  • Mihail Kogalniceanu Constanta to Bucharest Driver - Private Guided Transfer : $275
  • Constanta to Bucharest Otopeni airport - private transfers: $253
  • Cernavoda to Bucharest - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $220

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Neum: $179
  • Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $292
  • Split Private Transfer Service: $304
  • Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $326
  • Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $304
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
  • Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $206
  • Sarajevo to/from Zagreb Transfer Day Tour (North-central Bosnia): $154
  • Sarajevo to/from Dubrovnik Transfer Tour via Mostar & Herzegovina: $143
  • Sarajevo to/from Belgrade UNESCO Transfer Day Tour (Fees Incl.): $165
  • Sarajevo Airport Transfer : $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Mamaia or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo and Mamaia 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
    Mamaia $23
    Sarajevo $31

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $54
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
  • Sarajevo Food Tour off the beaten path: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mamaia $13
    Sarajevo $12

Tours and Activities in Mamaia

For Mamaia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Day Tour: Visit Histria Winery and Ancient Citadel: $87
  • One Day Tour to Constanta (The Ancient City of Tomis): $177
  • Self-Guided Labyrinth in the Rocks Tour near Silistra: $21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.78

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Beautiful National Park Sutjeska - Full day Tour: $66
  • Siege of Sarajevo War Tour, 4-Hour Guided European Playground of Death: $35
  • Srebrenica Genocide Tour from Sarajevo: $110
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Sarajevo and Mostar: $165
  • 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
  • 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $44
  • 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $105
  • Amazing Prokoško jezero - Full day Tour: $77
  • Assassination Tour: $28
  • BOSNIAN MEDIEVAL TOUR (Travnik + Jajce + Pliva lakes): $83
  • BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $55
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mamaia $12
    Sarajevo $7.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Mamaia

Also in Mamaia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Unveilling the Essence: Gabai Winery's Captivating Wine Tours: $44


When comparing the travel costs between Mamaia and Sarajevo, we can see that Sarajevo 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 Mamaia Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Mamaia or Sarajevo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mamaia or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Mamaia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Mamaia is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mamaia. Mamaia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during summer. Mamaia gets 320 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mamaia 22°C (72°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Mamaia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Mamaia is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mamaia in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Mamaia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Mamaia gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mamaia usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Mamaia gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mamaia 14°C (56°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mamaia and Sarajevo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Mamaia in the winter. In January, Mamaia is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 1°C (33°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Mamaia usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Mamaia gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mamaia 1°C (33°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mamaia as well as Sarajevo. Additionally, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Mamaia is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Mamaia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Mamaia gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Mamaia usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mamaia 10°C (51°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Mamaia

Mamaia Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 26 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)