Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Mamaia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mamaia or Zadar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Mamaia or Zadar? 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 Zadar?
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.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMamaia $64Zadar $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Mamaia is $64, while the average daily cost in Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMamaia $25Zadar $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMamaia $50Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Mamaia and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Mamaia or Zadar? 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: Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mamaia $27Zadar $10
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: $174
- Cernavoda to Bucharest - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $218
- Constanta to Bucharest Otopeni airport - private transfers: $251
- Mihail Kogalniceanu Constanta to Bucharest Driver - Private Guided Transfer : $272
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
- Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport (ZAD): $71
- Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
- Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
- Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Zaton Holiday Resort: $77
- Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from The Garden, Tisno: $152
- Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Petrcane: $70
- Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to or from Vir Island: $106
- Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $240
- Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
- Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Mamaia or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
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Food Meals for one dayMamaia $22Zadar $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Small Group Cooking Class: $39
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mamaia $13Zadar $20
Tours and Activities in Mamaia
For Mamaia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Labyrinth in the Rocks Tour near Silistra: $21
- Day Tour: Visit Histria Winery and Ancient Citadel: $86
- One Day Tour to Constanta (The Ancient City of Tomis): $175
Tours and Activities in Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
- Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
- Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
- Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
- 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
- 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
- 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
- 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
- Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
- Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
- Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
- Daysailing & SUP experience: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMamaia $12Zadar $12
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 Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
- Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
- Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mamaia and Zadar, we can see that Zadar 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 Zadar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zadar 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 Zadar Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Mamaia or Zadar?
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 Mamaia or Zadar in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mamaia as well as Zadar. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
Mamaia is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mamaia this time of the year. In the summer, Mamaia often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Mamaia gets 320 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.
Mamaia usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Zadar. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMamaia 22°C (72°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Mamaia or Zadar in the Autumn?
Both Zadar and Mamaia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Mamaia is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mamaia in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Zadar. Mamaia usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Mamaia gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Zadar. Mamaia gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMamaia 14°C (56°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Mamaia or Zadar in the Winter?
Both Zadar and Mamaia during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Mamaia. In January, Mamaia is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 1°C (33°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Mamaia often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Mamaia gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.
Mamaia usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMamaia 1°C (33°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Mamaia or Zadar in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mamaia and Zadar. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Mamaia is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Mamaia usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Mamaia gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Zadar. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMamaia 10°C (51°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Mamaia
| Mamaia | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.