A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Sofia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mykonos or Sofia?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Sofia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Mykonos or Sofia?

Mykonos

Mykonos, a Greek Island in the middle of the Aegean Sea, is part of the Cyclades group. Mykonos is one of the most touristy islands in the Aegean Sea and is famous for its whitewashed buildings that climb up the hill along with historic windmills, stunning hillside views, and fantastic seafood restaurants. Because of its popularity, Mykonos comes with a hefty tourist markup. Many passengers arrive here as part of a cruise, so during the day its small streets can become crowded with tourists and its harbor fills with large ships. August and July are the most popular times to visit, so if you're hoping to avoid to crowds it's best to come a few months earlier.

Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and also its largest city. Some people have tried to compare it to Budapest, but the cities are actually quite different. In Sofia you will find wonderful European style architecture intertwined with Communist style buildings. It's fascinating to see the two dramatically different building styles immediately next to each other. There are also many Orthodox Churches around town, with their beautiful domes and intricate details.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Sofia or Mykonos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €149, while the average daily cost in Sofia is €60. 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 Mykonos and Sofia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Sofia 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Sofia 76
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Sofia

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos or Sofia? 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 Mykonos


Hotels in Sofia


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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Sofia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Sofia 7.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

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


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,554
  • Private Catamaran Cruise w/ Food, Drinks & Transfer: $798
  • Boat Tour / Transfer in Mykonos: $745
  • Ano Mera & Old town Tour - Premium Transfer Service: $306
  • Private Transfer via Luxury Car in Mykonos: $218
  • Mykonos Airport or Port from/to Point to Point Private Transfers: $212
  • Mykonos Private Short Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $189
  • Mykonos transfer: $163
  • Private Mykonos Transfers up to 15 persons: $158
  • Superior Cruise to Rhenia Island and Delos Guided Tour (free transfers): $152
  • Combo Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos (free transfers): $152
  • Mykonos Private Transfer Up To 8 Persons: $152

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia

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

  • Transfer from Sofia airport to hotel in Sofia OR vice versa: $19
  • Private Airport Transfer to Sofia City Center: $31
  • Private Transfer: Sofia to Sofia Airport (SOF): $46
  • Private transfer: Sofia Airport (SOF) to Sofia: $46
  • Airport Transfer from Sofia Airport: $48
  • Sofia Airport Transfers: $49
  • Private Transfer from Sofia Airport SOF to Sofia in Business Car: $53
  • Be Eco: Sofia Airport Transfer with an Electric Vehicle: $53
  • Private Transfer from/to Sofia Airport : $53
  • From Koprivshtitsa & Historic Homes Tour w/ Transfer: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer from/to Sofia Bulgaria: $54
  • Airport Transfers in Bulgaria: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Sofia?

Prices for flights to both Sofia and Mykonos 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
    Mykonos 48
    Sofia 17
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

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

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $69
  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner with Drinks in Mykonos: $71
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $100
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $108
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $160
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $163
  • Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $196
  • Private Authentic Greek Brunch Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Local: $254
  • Private Food Tour & Wine Tasting In Tinos Island with a Local: $283
  • Private Cooking Class At The Home Of A Mykonian Family: $607

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sofia

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

  • Guided Night Tour & Folklore Performance with Dinner: $48
  • Half-Day Sofia Evening Walking Tour with Vegetarian Dinner: $49
  • Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show: $97
  • Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $105
  • Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $107
  • Sofia by Night: Private Tour with Dinner: $117
  • Evening City Tour with Folklore Dinner: $117
  • Sofia by Night Panoramic Private Tour with Dinner, Folklore Show: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos 23
    Sofia 5.56

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

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

  • All Inclusive Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with S/Y Olga M: $152
  • Mykonos Gems for the First Time Cruise Visitors: $84
  • Mykonos Island Tour: $83
  • "Mykonos Private Tour: Town Wonders & Beach Break : $217
  • 2 Hours Gems of Mykonos Private Tour: $109
  • 3 Hours Private Sunset Tour in Greece with Free Drinks & Snacks: $261
  • 4 Hour Mykonos Tour Explorer : $163
  • 4 Hour Private Island Tour in Mykonos & Lunch included : $169
  • 6 Hours Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with Sailing Yacht: $152
  • All inclusive Delos & Rhenia Islands tour up to 12 pax (free transportation): $152
  • All inclusive Sunset Cruise Delos & Rhenia - free transpotation: $136
  • All inclusive cruise-Mykonos Delos&Rhenia beaches(free transport): $119

Tours and Activities in Sofia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.

  • Rila Monastery: Monastery & Museums Self-Guided Audio Tour 7 lang: $5.42
  • Private Self-guided tour in Rila Monastery: $6.50
  • Self-guided tour of Boyana Church: $7.59
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.61
  • Sofia Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.66
  • Self-guided Tour in the Museum of Socialist Art: $7.81
  • Guided Walking Tour of Sofia: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Guided Walking Tour of Sofia: $11
  • Audio Guide for All Sofia Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Sofia Audio guide Tour offers available in 7 languages: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Sofia 7.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

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

  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $72
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $74
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $80
  • Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $128
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $128
  • Luxurious All-in-One Mykonos Party Tour with Wine Tasting: $162

Sample the Local Flavors in Sofia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sofia:

  • Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl: $19
  • Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars: $19
  • Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia: $33
  • Sofia Bar Crawl: $53
  • Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $59
  • Sofia Exquisite Wine Tasting: $75
  • From Rozhen monastery and Melnik with wine tasting: $98
  • Private Sofia Tour with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour from Sofia: $114
  • Plovdiv and Thracia Valley with Wine Tasting: $119
  • Koprivshtitsa and Starosel Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $138
  • Rila Monastery Tour from Sofia - Lunch, Wine Tasting & The Unique Stob Pyramids: $139


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Sofia, we can see that Mykonos is more expensive. And not only is Sofia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sofia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sofia 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 Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos than you might in Sofia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mykonos Expensive? and Is Sofia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Sofia?

Sofia has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Mykonos. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Sofia, 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.