A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phnom Penh vs. Sarajevo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Phnom Penh or Sarajevo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Phnom Penh and Sarajevo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Phnom Penh or Sarajevo?

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.

Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.

Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Phnom Penh?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $41, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $71. 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 Phnom Penh and Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Sarajevo $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Sarajevo? 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 Phnom Penh


Hotels in Sarajevo


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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.81
    Sarajevo $7.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Vip Taxi Transfer from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk: $450
  • Vip Taxi Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $450
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh APT-HTL (PNH): $16
  • Transfer Stop Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap, English Speaking Driver: $107
  • Transfer Private Car Siemreap to Phnom Penh/PHN to Province.: $110
  • Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville city: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Kompot or Kep: $145
  • Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Pursat or Battambang: $155
  • Private intercity transfer ! From Phnom Penh to any cities in Cambodia (One Way): $55
  • Private Transfers from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $116

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

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


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

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

  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $143
  • Private Transfer from Hrasnica to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $68
  • Private Transfer from Konjic to Mostar Airport (OMO): $176
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bjelašnica: $98
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bojnik : $68
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Doboj: $273

Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo and Phnom Penh 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
    Phnom Penh $13
    Sarajevo $31
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:


  • Dinner for Two
    $10
  • Breakfast for Two
    $4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
  • Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive over 10 Local Tastings: $44
  • Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks: $49
  • Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
  • Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
  • Phnom Penh Authentic Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
  • Phnom Penh's Ultimate Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $69

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

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

  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $54
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
  • The 10 Tastings of Sarajevo Private Food Tour : $144

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.59
    Sarajevo $12

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

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

  • Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $20
  • Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
  • 10 Tastings of Phnom Penh Foodie Tour: $39
  • 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
  • 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
  • 2 Days of Phnom Penh City Tour: $199
  • 3 Hours Private Morning Market and Art Tour in Phnom Penh: $45
  • 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
  • 9 Days Cambodia Highlights Guided Motorcycle Tour: $1,964
  • A 10-day ethical animals tour of Cambodia: $1,699
  • A Half Day Tour in Phnom Penh City: $59
  • Alternative Tour to Silk Farm, SilverSmith Village and Udong: $150

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.71

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

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

  • Svrzo House Entrance Ticket: $3.29
  • Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
  • SARAJEVO CITY TOUR: $12
  • Konjic City Tour: $12
  • 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $14
  • Majestic and Relaxed tour of Sarajevo, Baščaršija: $16
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.30
    Sarajevo $7.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

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

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $71


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Sarajevo, we can see that Sarajevo is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phnom Penh is in Asia and Sarajevo is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Sarajevo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarajevo than you might in Phnom Penh.

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


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Sarajevo?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Sarajevo, 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.