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

Should you visit Minsk or Sarajevo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Sarajevo, 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: Minsk or Sarajevo?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Minsk?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $70. 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 Minsk and Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minsk $32
    Sarajevo $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minsk $64
    Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Minsk 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 Minsk


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.
    Minsk $12
    Sarajevo $7.02

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

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


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

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

  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $27
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $30
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Ilidža: $33
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Downtown to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo and Minsk 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
    Minsk $21
    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:

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minsk $20
    Sarajevo $12

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)
    $7.64

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

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

  • Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
  • SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
  • Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
  • Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
  • Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minsk $14
    Sarajevo $7.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

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

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70


When comparing the travel costs between Minsk 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 Minsk Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Minsk or Sarajevo?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Minsk and Sarajevo, 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 Minsk or Sarajevo?

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 Minsk or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Minsk during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Minsk is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Minsk. In the summer, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minsk 19°C (66°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Sarajevo. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Minsk is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minsk in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Minsk usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minsk 8°C (47°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Sarajevo. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Minsk can be very cold during winter. In January, Minsk is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around -5°C (22°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Minsk usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minsk -5°C (22°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Minsk is much colder than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Minsk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during spring. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Minsk usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minsk 8°C (46°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Minsk

Minsk Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)