A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Budapest for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Budapest?

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 Pamukkale and Budapest can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Budapest?

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Pamukkale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $89. 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 Pamukkale and Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Budapest $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Budapest $98
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Budapest? 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 Pamukkale


Hotels in Budapest


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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Budapest $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

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

  • Pamukkale to Antalya Centre Hotels Transfer: $163
  • Antalya: Private Airport Transfer to/from Pamukkale/Denizli: $154
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $137
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $110
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $103
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $99
  • Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $90
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
  • Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $83

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $6.91
  • Metro Pass
    $3.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

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

  • T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,571
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,284
  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,177
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,054
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $926
  • Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $702
  • Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $638
  • From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Budapest: $638
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $585
  • Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $468
  • Budapest-Bratislava One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Zagreb with 2 hours for sightseeing: $268

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest and Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $69
    Budapest $23

Typical Food Prices in Budapest

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


  • Lunch
    $3.37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

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

  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights: $57
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $73
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $85
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $90
  • Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Budapest $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

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


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $2.01

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

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

  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $119
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $30
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $298
  • Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $178
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $92
  • Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $94
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour from istanbul: $638
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $110
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $105
  • Daily Pamukkale and Kaklik Cave Tour with drop-off at Denizli Airport: $230

Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

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


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    $6.77

Tours and Activities in Budapest

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

  • Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
  • Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
  • 1 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - Parliament Hightails: $38
  • 1.5 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - To The Castle Area : $49
  • 2 Hour Budapest Market and Tasting Tour: $57
  • 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
  • 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
  • 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $104
  • 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
  • 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
  • 3 Hours Private Guided Tour In Budapest: $161
  • 3-Hour Budapest Tour with Russian Jeep: $208

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Budapest $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

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

  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Drunken History Ruin Pub Walking Tour: $43
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50
  • Budapest - Opera Gin Distillery Tour: $51
  • Pub Crawl Through The Ruin Bars in Budapest with T-shirt Included: $53


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Budapest, 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 Pamukkale or Budapest?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pamukkale or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In July, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Budapest. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Budapest 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pamukkale is much warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Budapest. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Pamukkale is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamukkale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Budapest. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Budapest -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Budapest. Additionally, most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Budapest and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Budapest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)