Which place is cheaper, Budva or Mostar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mostar or Budva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Mostar and Budva can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Mostar or Budva?
Mostar
Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.
Budva
A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMostar $70Budva $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Mostar is $70, while the average daily cost in Budva is $97. 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 Mostar and Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMostar $36Budva $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMostar $72Budva $78
Compare Hotels in Mostar and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Mostar or Budva? 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: Mostar Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mostar $8.65Budva $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:
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Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)$22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:
- From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $267
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
- Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
- Split to Dubrovnik via Mostar Private Transfer: $524
- Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
- Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
- Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
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Daily Car Rental$70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- Private Transfer Service in Montenegro: $29
- Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58
- Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $58
- Montenegro Airport Transfer: $65
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
- Tivat to Budva one way transfer: $102
- Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $117
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $139
- Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Mostar or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva and Mostar 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 dayMostar $26Budva $33
Typical Food Prices in Mostar
Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:
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A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mostar.
- Mostar street food tour: $57
- Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
- Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Budva.
- Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mostar $9.37Budva $24
Tours and Activities in Mostar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mostar are as follows:
- Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket: $5.94
- Walking tour in Old Town Mostar: $18
- Walking Tour in Old Town Mostar: $20
- Mostar city Tour: $22
- Mostar Walking Tour: Orient in the West: $22
- Mostar in War: Historical Walking Tour: $22
- Street Art Guided Tour in Mostar: $22
- Mostar Private Walking Tour - where East meets West: $32
- Mostar Shelters tour in Mostar: $37
- The Ottoman Experience Tour in Mostar: $37
- The Death of Yugoslavia Tour in Mostar: $38
- Private Half-Day Oriental Tour of Mostar with Food Tasting: $38
Tours and Activities in Budva
Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
- From Day Cruise to Boka Bay: $42
- Great Cruise From Budva to Boka Bay in a Day: $43
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
- Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43
- Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
- Night Lights Kayak Adventure : $44
- Soul of Montenegro: Kotor, Lovcen and Cetinje Day Tour: $61
- Private Tour: Panoramic route around Skadar Lake: $65
- Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $65
- Private Boat Tour Adventure In Budva - Sightseeing & Snorkeling : $65
- Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMostar $3.71Budva $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:
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A Few Drinks (for 2)$6.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:
- 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
- Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mostar and Budva, we can see that Budva is more expensive. And not only is Mostar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mostar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mostar 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 Budva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budva than you might in Mostar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mostar Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mostar or Budva?
Mostar has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Mostar and Budva, 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.
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.