A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamplona vs. Budva for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamplona or Budva?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Budva? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Pamplona or Budva?

Pamplona

Pamplona is a city in northern Spain located on the snow-capped foothills of the Pyrenees Range. With the backdrop of mountains, the city is surrounded by a setting ideal for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Yet Pamplona itself is a place full of lively culture and stunning architecture. With a long history, the place is embedded in tradition and perhaps most famous for its annual "running of the bulls" celebrated in July, also known as the San Fermin festival.

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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Pamplona?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamplona is €131, while the average daily cost in Budva is €91. 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 Pamplona and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamplona 67
    Budva 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamplona 134
    Budva 74
Compare Hotels in Pamplona and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Pamplona 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.

Hotels in Pamplona


Hotels in Budva


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: Pamplona Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamplona 24
    Budva 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:


  • Daily Car Rental
    65

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 Pamplona or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Pamplona 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
    Pamplona 41
    Budva 31
Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

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


  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Ice Cream
    4.50
  • Coffee
    1.30

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamplona 34
    Budva 22

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

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

  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • Tour of the Bardenas " The great desert of Europe" and Tudela. : $234
  • San Sebastian & Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $235
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • San Sebastian And Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamplona 31
    Budva 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

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

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Budva?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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.