A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Novi Sad vs. Ljubljana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Novi Sad or Ljubljana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Novi Sad and Ljubljana 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: Novi Sad or Ljubljana?

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the capital city of Vojvodina, the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia. Novi Sad has a population of about 400,000 people and is located on the Danube River near Budapest and Belgrade.

Ljubljana

Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Serbia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Novi Sad?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Novi Sad is $20, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is $93. 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 Novi Sad and Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Novi Sad $11
    Ljubljana $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Novi Sad $22
    Ljubljana $116
Compare Hotels in Novi Sad and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Novi Sad or Ljubljana? 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 Novi Sad


Hotels in Ljubljana


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: Novi Sad Hotel Prices and Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Novi Sad -
    Ljubljana $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Novi Sad

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novi Sad:

  • Belgrade to Sarajevo via Novi Sad Private Transfer Tour: $287
  • Airport transfer from/to Novi Sad: $107
  • Belgrade airport transfers: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

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

  • Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $13
  • Private Transfer from Brnik Airport to Ljubljana Centre: $28
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Ljubljana City: $46
  • Private transfer Ljubljana Airport from & to Ljubljana City: $52
  • Private Transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $55
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Kranj: $55
  • Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer.Price per car.: $63
  • Departure Private Transfer Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport by Business Car: $66
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Koper Port: $68
  • Ljubljana to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Private transfer from Kamnik to airport Ljubljana: $74
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kamnik : $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Novi Sad or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana and Novi Sad 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
    Novi Sad $8.20
    Ljubljana $18

Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    $2.14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

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

  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $64
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $64
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $66
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
  • Dinner in the Dark: $86
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
  • Dinner in the Dark: $106
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $128
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Novi Sad -
    Ljubljana $15

Tours and Activities in Novi Sad

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

  • From Belgrade: Novi Sad and Fruska Gora National Park Tour: $321
  • Fruska Gora and Novi Sad Heritage & Gastro Private Tour: $171
  • Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci shared tour: $64
  • Novi Sad Private Walking Tour: $254
  • Novi Sad city center and Petrovaradin fortress tour: $80
  • 2-Hour Christmas Walking Tour: $770
  • City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide: $512
  • Private Customized Tour with a car: $209
  • Private Romantic Tour: $513
  • The city center and fortress Private Walking Tour: $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    $8.57

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $6.31
  • Ljubljana City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Ljubljana:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • From Swamp to State: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Ljubljana: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $13
  • Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $13
  • House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Virtual Reality Gaming Experience Ljubljana: $17
  • Tour of the Festive Decorations: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Novi Sad -
    Ljubljana $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Novi Sad

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Novi Sad:

  • From Belgrade: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting: $80
  • From Belgrade or Private Wine Tour in Fruska Gora: $185

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    $6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Craft brewery tour and beer tasting, Tour the Brew, Tekotnik : $28
  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $83
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $93
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $97
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $191
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $217
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $261
  • Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting In Istria (private V.i.p. Tour): $263


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

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


Which is Bigger, Novi Sad or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Novi Sad. When comparing the sizes of Novi Sad and Ljubljana, 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 Novi Sad or Ljubljana?

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 Novi Sad or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Novi Sad as well as Ljubljana. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Novi Sad is around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Novi Sad in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Novi Sad this time of the year. In the summer, Novi Sad often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Novi Sad gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Novi Sad usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Novi Sad gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Novi Sad 22°C (71°F) 
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Novi Sad or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Novi Sad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In October, Novi Sad is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Novi Sad average around 13°C (55°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Novi Sad usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Novi Sad gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Novi Sad usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Novi Sad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Novi Sad 13°C (55°F) 
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Novi Sad or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Novi Sad during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ljubljana. It's quite cold in Novi Sad in the winter. Novi Sad is much colder than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Novi Sad averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Novi Sad often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Novi Sad gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Novi Sad usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Novi Sad gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Novi Sad -0°C (31°F) 
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Novi Sad or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Novi Sad and Ljubljana. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Novi Sad is around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Novi Sad in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Novi Sad usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Novi Sad gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Novi Sad usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Novi Sad gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Novi Sad 12°C (54°F) 
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Novi Sad

Novi Sad Ljubljana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in)