A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Marbella or Podgorica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Podgorica, 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: Marbella or Podgorica?

Marbella

Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Marbella?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is €105. 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 Marbella and Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Podgorica 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Podgorica 92
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Podgorica? 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 Marbella


Hotels in Podgorica


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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Podgorica 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Fuengirola or Marbella: $21
  • Private Transfer from Fuengirola to Malaga (AGP) airport: $64
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
  • Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
  • Private Transfer from Torre del Mar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Lomas De Cabopino to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Vélez-Málaga to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $104
  • Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107
  • Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • VAN Private transfers from Airport Podgorica and city to Budva: $120
  • Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $251
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Bar (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $108
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Bar: $75
  • Private transfer from Podgorica to Ostrog monastery (minivan): $117
  • Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Ulcinj : $107
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica and Marbella 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
    Marbella 38
    Podgorica 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

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

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Podgorica 21

Tours and Activities in Marbella

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

  • Discover the Old Town through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
  • Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
  • Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
  • Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
  • group walking Tour: $26
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Tapas Tasting Adventure: $27
  • Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:

  • ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $333
  • ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $195
  • Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $240
  • Bay of Kotor hiking experience - Montenegro Travel Club private tour: $185
  • Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $156
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Montenegro Tour: $99
  • Book Your Sunset in Budva Tour : $93
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Cheese farm tour in the katun: $279
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Podgorica 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $77
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
  • Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196


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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Podgorica?

Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Podgorica, 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.


When is the best time to visit Marbella or Podgorica?

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 Marbella or Podgorica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Podgorica. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Podgorica. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Podgorica in the Autumn?

Both Podgorica and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.

Marbella is a little warmer than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Podgorica. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Podgorica in the Winter?

Both Podgorica and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Podgorica. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marbella usually gets less rain in January than Podgorica. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Podgorica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Podgorica. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Podgorica during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Marbella

Marbella Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)