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

Should you visit Messina or Podgorica?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Podgorica can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Messina or Podgorica?

Messina

Messina is a city in the northwest area of Sicily. There are only five kilometers across the Straits of Messina to the Calabria region of mainland Italy. You can reach Messina by boats which travel every hour from the town of Villa San Giovanni in mainland Italy. There are also a couple of hydrofoils that make the trip every day from Reggio di Calabria. During the summer season don't be surprised to see cruise ships arriving with crowds of tourists. They are usually docked right downtown and are therefore hard to miss. Messina is also connected to mainland Italy by train, which are transported across the Straits of Messina by ferry.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Messina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Messina is €118, 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 Messina and Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Messina 65
    Podgorica 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Messina 130
    Podgorica 92
Compare Hotels in Messina and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Messina 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 Messina


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: Messina Hotel Prices and Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Messina 22
    Podgorica 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:

  • From Private Air-Conditioned Transfer to Taormina: $99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
  • Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
  • Private Transfer to Budva: $39
  • Private transfer to Kotor: $53
  • Private transfer to Tivat: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $68
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $262
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Messina or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica and Messina 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
    Messina 37
    Podgorica 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Messina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Messina.

  • Private Home Cooking Demo with a Four-Course Meal: $112
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $115
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Messina Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $158
  • Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Messina 21
    Podgorica 21

Tours and Activities in Messina

Here are a few actual costs in Messina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Alfotour 2/3 hour tour with swimming stop: $32
  • 2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $46
  • Guided City Highlights Walking Tour: $47
  • The Godfather Movie Tour from Messina: $84
  • Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $85
  • Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour: $87
  • Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina - Shared tour: $87
  • Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina: $98
  • 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
  • Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $120
  • Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $126
  • Taormina and Castelmola: Private tour: $149

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

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

  • Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.17
  • Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
  • Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
  • Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
  • Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
  • From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Messina 18
    Podgorica 20

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 Messina and Podgorica, we can see that Messina 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 Messina Expensive? and Is Podgorica Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Messina or Podgorica?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina or Podgorica?

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 Messina or Podgorica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Podgorica. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Messina is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Messina 27°C (80°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Messina or Podgorica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as Podgorica. The autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Messina is a little warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Podgorica averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Messina 21°C (69°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Messina or Podgorica in the Winter?

Both Podgorica and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Messina 13°C (55°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Messina or Podgorica in the Spring?

Both Podgorica and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Messina is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. In the spring, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Messina usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Messina

Messina Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)