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

Should you visit Mamaia or Split?

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

Should I visit Mamaia or Split? 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split 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 Split is $120. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mamaia $25
    Split $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mamaia $50
    Split $160
Compare Hotels in Mamaia and Split

Looking for a hotel in Mamaia or Split? 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 Split


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: Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mamaia $27
    Split $16

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

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

  • Zagreb to Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,032
  • Transfer from Split to Zagreb with Entry Ticket to Plitvice Lakes: $186
  • Transfer Split airport to Split: $66
  • Transfer Split airport to Makarska: $150
  • Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Entry Tickets: $184
  • Private Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Stop: $746
  • Private Transfer to Krka with Driver & Optional Guide: $433
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport to Split: $65
  • Diocletian's Palace & Trogir Old Town with Transfer: $15
  • Airport to Hvar Town Speedboat Transfer: $543
  • Split/Trogir to Zagreb: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,032
  • Split to Zagreb Group Transfer with Plitvice Lakes guided tour: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Mamaia or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

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

  • Small Group Food Tour: $38
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $69
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $103
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $133
  • Split Cooking Class: $171
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $242

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mamaia $13
    Split $4.07

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

Tours and Activities in Split

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

  • Blue cave and Hvar - 5 Islands speedboat tour from Split: $171
  • History tour: $33
  • SPLIT-"Emperor's City for History Lovers"/BOUTIQUE Walking Tour+Cellars Museum: $30
  • SPLIT-"Emperor's City for History Lovers"/PRIVATE Walking Tour+Cellars Museum : $180
  • "Blue Lagoon" Half day Chill out tour from Split: $76
  • "Not Today" - Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour: $83
  • 2 Day Pass with Sightseeing Bus: $33
  • 2 Hours Split Walking tour with free food tasting: $34
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $63
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $88
  • 2-hours Split Segway Tour: $88
  • 3-Hour Via-Ferrata Adventure in Fortica Fortress: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mamaia $12
    Split $8.73

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

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

  • Krka & Sibenik Tour with Boat Ride, Swimming or Wine Tasting: $23
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $25
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $30
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $39
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $40
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $49
  • Small group Walking Tour and Wine Tasting: $60
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Vineyard Experience: Wine Tasting near Split: $77
  • Blue Lagoon & Wine tasting - 3 islands tour: $99


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

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



When is the best time to visit Mamaia or Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

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

Mamaia is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mamaia. Mamaia usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Mamaia gets 320 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mamaia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mamaia 22°C (72°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Mamaia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Mamaia is cooler than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mamaia in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Mamaia often gets less sunshine than Split. Mamaia gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in October than Split. Mamaia gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mamaia 14°C (56°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mamaia and Split. Also, many travelers come to Split 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 Split. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 1°C (33°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Mamaia usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Mamaia gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Split. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mamaia 1°C (33°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mamaia as well as Split. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Mamaia is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the spring, Mamaia often gets less sunshine than Split. Mamaia gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in April than Split. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mamaia 10°C (51°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Mamaia

Mamaia Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 26 mm (1 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)