Which place is cheaper, Budva or Podgorica?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Podgorica or Budva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Podgorica or Budva, 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: Podgorica or Budva?
Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.
Budva
A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Podgorica Prices
Montenegro PricesBudva Prices
Montenegro Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPodgorica €134Budva €113
The average daily cost (per person) in Podgorica is €134, while the average daily cost in Budva is €113. 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 Podgorica and Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPodgorica €46Budva €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPodgorica €92Budva €74
Compare Hotels in Podgorica and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Podgorica or Budva? 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: Podgorica Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Podgorica €20Budva €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- Airport Transfer Podgorica to Budva or Sveti Stefan: $211
- From Kotor: Transfer to Podgorica Airport or City: $79
- Montenegro: Podgorica Airport to Budva One-Way Transfer: $111
- Montenegro: Podgorica Airport to Kotor One-Way Transfer: $161
- Podgorica hotels to Kotor Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer to Budva: $42
- Private transfer to Kotor: $67
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $217
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat Airport (TIV): $207
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Downtown to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $42
- Private Transfer from Podgorica hotels to Kotor Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer: Podgorica Airport TGD to Podgorica in Sedan Car: $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
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Daily Car Rental€65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $45
- AIRPORT TRANSFER Montenegro Budva Tivat Podgorica Kotor Perast: $67
- Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $106
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $109
- Private Transfer from Sveti Stefan to Tivat airport: $117
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $129
- Private transfer Tivat/Kotor/Budva-Podgorica: $147
- Montenegro: Lipa Cave Guided Tour with Transfer: $175
- Private Transfer from Ulcinj to Tivat Airport (TIV): $199
- Kotor to Budva one way transfer: $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Podgorica or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva and Podgorica 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 dayPodgorica €70Budva €53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Podgorica €21Budva €22
Tours and Activities in Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- Into the Heart of Lake Skadar Nature and History Boat Tour: $14
- Stara Varoš, Bridges, and Highlights Walking Tour: $23
- Guided Boat Tours on Lake Skadar with Local Insights: $23
- History & Culture Walking Tour with Local Guide: $25
- Virpazar Skadar Lake Boat Tour with Wildlife & Nature: $26
- Virpazar: Sunset Boat Tour on Skadar Lake with Wooden Boat & Wine: $26
- Skadar Lake National Park Guided Boat Tour with Wooden Boat: $26
- Podgorica City Walking Tour: $29
- Skadar Lake National Park Boat Tour with Visit in Kom Monastery: $38
- Skadar Lake National Park: Guided Boat Tour to Kom Monastery: $38
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $39
- PODGORICA WALKING TOUR: $42
Tours and Activities in Budva
Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $20
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $52
- Night Lights Kayaking Tour: $52
- Discover Scuba Diving in No Experience Needed: $52
- Budva Bay: Kayak & SUP Tour to Coastal Caves: $53
- Full Day Monastery Ostrog Tour with Guide: $58
- Kayak & Hike Experience on Sveti Nikola Island: $58
- Small group kayaking tour from Budva to Sveti Nikola island caves: $59
- Lake Skadar Scenic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery: $59
- Budva Private Monastery Tour – Coastal Views & Hidden History: $63
- Boka Bay: Kotor, Cave, Herceg Novi, & Lady of the Rocks Tour: $69
- From Day Cruise to Boka Bay: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPodgorica €20Budva €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:
- Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $35
- Panoramic Wine Tasting & Snack: $41
- Pub Crawl with Welcome Shots: $70
- Book Your Wine Tour: $99
- Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $116
- Montenegro Wine Tour & Skadar Lake experience from Podgorica: $160
- Full Day Private Tour - NP Skadar Lake with Wine Tasting: $164
- SOUL HEALING Wine Tour Montenegro - BEST PRIVATE TOUR: $229
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Podgorica and Budva, we can see that Podgorica is more expensive. And not only is Budva much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budva would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budva 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 Podgorica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Podgorica than you might in Budva.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Podgorica Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Podgorica or Budva?
Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Podgorica and Budva, 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.