A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Plovdiv for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Paphos or Plovdiv?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Plovdiv, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Paphos or Plovdiv?

Paphos

Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv or Paphos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €97, while the average daily cost in Plovdiv is €75. 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 Paphos and Plovdiv in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paphos 48
    Plovdiv 41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paphos 96
    Plovdiv 82
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Plovdiv

Looking for a hotel in Paphos 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.

Hotels in Paphos


Hotels in Plovdiv


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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Plovdiv Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Plovdiv 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:

  • Shared shuttle transfer from Paphos Airport to Hotels: $15
  • Private Transfer from Paphos to Larnaca Airport LCA in 4 seater Taxi: $133
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Larnaca in Minivan(Taxi): $193
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport PFO to Polis City by Sedan: $70
  • Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Paphos City by Luxury Car: $140
  • Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Nicosia City by Luxury Van: $167
  • Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Limassol City by Sedan: $79
  • Private Airport Transfer from Paphos Airport in a 6-seater taxi: $52
  • Private Airport Transfer from Hotel to Paphos Airport in a 4-seater taxi: $42
  • Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $43
  • Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $62
  • From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv

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

  • Private One-way Transfer Plovdiv Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $43
  • Private Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $162
  • Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $99
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $193
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Plovdiv?

Prices for flights to both Plovdiv and Paphos 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
    Paphos 38
    Plovdiv 20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos

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

  • From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $53
  • Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Plovdiv 14

Tours and Activities in Paphos

Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos) : $53
  • 6 hour Buggy Tour Akamas incl lunch and Adonis Falls: $212
  • 6-Hour Quad or Buggy Tour incl Lunch and Entrance to Adonis Falls: $88
  • Akamas Jeep Safari Tour from Paphos: $63
  • Akamas Panorama: Private Mini Bus Tour With Local Guide: $706
  • Akamas Peninsula Full Day 4x4 Winter Tour: $72
  • Ancient Kourion, Kolossi Castle, Omodos & Winery Tour - Paphos: $95
  • Authentic Cyprus Historic Day Tour from Paphos: $31
  • Baths of Aphrodite, Latchi and Blue Lagoon Cruise Tour: $41
  • Blue Lagoon Cruise with sightseeing departing from LATCHI HARBOUR. Postcode 8840: $22
  • Blue Lagoon VIP Sunset Ocean Blue Tour: $83
  • Cruise and 4X4 Safari Tour at Akamas Peninsula from Aphrodite Hills : $99

Tours and Activities in Plovdiv

For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Plovdiv Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Plovdiv Communist Walking Tour Soviet Landmarks: $15
  • Plovdiv Private City Walking Tour Old Town & Ancient Stadium: $19
  • Self-Guided Hiking Tour of the Smolyan Lakes: $21
  • Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Plovdiv Communist Walking Tour Soviet Landmarks: $22
  • Plovdiv guided walking tour: $22
  • Local Adventures in the Rhodope Mountains: $32
  • Private Virtual Tour in Plovdiv with a Local Guide: $32
  • Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $39
  • Plovdiv - Private walking tour: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paphos 9.98
    Plovdiv 8.99

Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:

  • Regional Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $103
  • WINE TOUR from Paphos: $105

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: $65
  • Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $93
  • Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $109
  • From Sofia: Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Tour With Wine Tasting: $122


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Plovdiv, we can see that Paphos 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Plovdiv Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Paphos or Plovdiv?

Plovdiv has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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.