Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Plovdiv?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Plovdiv or Sarajevo?
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 Plovdiv and Sarajevo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Plovdiv or Sarajevo?
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.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlovdiv $80Sarajevo $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Plovdiv is $80, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $70. 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 Plovdiv and Sarajevo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlovdiv $44Sarajevo $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlovdiv $88Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Plovdiv and Sarajevo
Looking for a hotel in Plovdiv 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.
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: Plovdiv Hotel Prices and Sarajevo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Plovdiv $22Sarajevo $7.02
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: $376
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora: $87
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $103
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $190
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Bansko: $134
- Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia: $98
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $98
- Sofia: Private Transfer from Sofia to Plovdiv OR vice versa: $147
- Private Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $160
- Private One-way Transfer Plovdiv Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $42
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Varna: $354
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia / vice versa: $147
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
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Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer tour Sarajevo-Dubrovnik: $163
- Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Neum: $176
- Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $287
- Transfer from Sarajevo to Kotor+Herzegovina tour: $126
- Split Private Transfer Service: $298
- Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $320
- Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $298
- Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
- Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $203
- Sarajevo to/from Zagreb Transfer Day Tour (North-central Bosnia): $152
- Sarajevo to/from Dubrovnik Transfer Tour via Mostar & Herzegovina: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Plovdiv or Sarajevo?
Prices for flights to both Sarajevo and Plovdiv 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 dayPlovdiv $21Sarajevo $31
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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:
- Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
- Cooking class: Traditional Bosnian Pie: $60
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Plovdiv $15Sarajevo $12
Tours and Activities in Plovdiv
For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Private Superb Buggy Adventure: $194
- 5-Day Guided Tour to Sofia, Plovdiv and Istanbul: $486
- Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv: $81
- Communist Heritage Tour- Buzludzha and The Might of the East Block Aviation: $98
- Day Tour from Plovdiv full with History, Nature & Forgotten Village Experiences: $144
- Exclusive Private Tour in the Thracian Valley from Sofia: $93
- 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 Eco Private Tour in Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv: $134
- Full Day Eco Private Tour in Plovdiv: $91
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
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National Museum (for 2)$7.64
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Beautiful National Park Sutjeska - Full day Tour: $65
- Siege of Sarajevo War Tour, 4-Hour Guided European Playground of Death: $35
- 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Sarajevo and Mostar: $163
- 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
- 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $43
- 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $103
- Amazing Prokoško jezero - Full day Tour: $81
- Assassination Tour: $27
- BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $64
- Best of Sarajevo - Full Day All Inclusive Tour: $76
- Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Half-Day Tour from Sarajevo: $80
- Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlovdiv $9.57Sarajevo $7.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:
- Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $21
- Old Town Exploring Guide Roman Ruins & Wine Tasting: $80
- Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $91
- Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $108
- From Sofia: Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Tour With Wine Tasting: $133
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: $70
When comparing the travel costs between Plovdiv and Sarajevo, we can see that Plovdiv is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Plovdiv Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Plovdiv or Sarajevo?
Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Plovdiv. When comparing the sizes of Plovdiv 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.
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.