Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Plovdiv?
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 Plovdiv can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Plovdiv?
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.
Plovdiv
Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPamukkale $156Plovdiv $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Plovdiv is $80. 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 Plovdiv in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Plovdiv $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Plovdiv $88
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Plovdiv
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Plovdiv? 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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Plovdiv Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Plovdiv $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
- Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv
Also for Plovdiv, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Varna: Private Transfer from Varna to Plovdiv: $378
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Varna: $356
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas: $263
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $191
- Private Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $160
- Sofia: Private Transfer from Sofia to Plovdiv OR vice versa: $148
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia / vice versa: $148
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $104
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $98
- Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia: $98
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Pamporovo: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Plovdiv?
Prices for flights to both Plovdiv 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
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Food Meals for one dayPamukkale $69Plovdiv $21
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Plovdiv $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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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: $120
- All-inclusive Private Guided Tour of Pamukkale: $256
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
- Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $299
- Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $277
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $93
- Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $92
- Daily Pamukkale Tour from istanbul: $642
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $103
Tours and Activities in Plovdiv
For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 5-Day Guided Tour to Sofia, Plovdiv and Istanbul: $488
- Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv: $82
- Communist Heritage Tour- Buzludzha and The Might of the East Block Aviation: $98
- Day Tour from Plovdiv - Magical Koprivshtitsa, Landscapes & Wine: $156
- Day Tour from Plovdiv full with History, Nature & Forgotten Village Experiences: $144
- Exclusive Private Tour in the Thracian Valley from Sofia: $94
- Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $38
- From Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour: $81
- From Musala Peak Full-Day Trekking Tour: $130
- From Sofia - A Story of an Ancient State Day Tour: $95
- Full Day Archeological tour of Plovdiv and the Region: $97
- Full Day Eco Private Tour in Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Plovdiv $9.57
Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:
- Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $21
- Plovdiv Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
- Old Town Exploring Guide Roman Ruins & Wine Tasting: $80
- Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $92
- Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $108
- From Sofia: Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Tour With Wine Tasting: $134
- Half-Day of Horseback Adventure with Wine Tasting: $168
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamukkale and Plovdiv, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. And not only is Plovdiv much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plovdiv would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Plovdiv Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Plovdiv?
Plovdiv has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Plovdiv, 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.