A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Podgorica vs. Dubrovnik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Podgorica or Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Podgorica?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Podgorica is €105, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is €97. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Podgorica 46
    Dubrovnik 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Podgorica 92
    Dubrovnik 100
Compare Hotels in Podgorica and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Podgorica or Dubrovnik? 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 Podgorica


Hotels in Dubrovnik


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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Podgorica 20
    Dubrovnik 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $262
  • Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $251
  • VAN Private transfers from Airport Podgorica and city to Budva: $120
  • Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
  • Private transfer from Podgorica to Ostrog monastery (minivan): $117
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $108
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Ulcinj : $107
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Bar (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    1.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Shared Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $16
  • Porter Service, Baggage Transfer, Baggage pick up & delivery.: $16
  • Night Transfer from Dubrovnik Old Port to New Port by Karaka Boat: $22
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $22
  • Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik airport: $24
  • Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $24
  • Dubrovnik Luxury Airport Transfers: $26
  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $27
  • From Dubrovnik Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $28
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik hotels to Dubrovnik Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Port to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): $28
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik Port: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Podgorica or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Podgorica 41
    Dubrovnik 33

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
  • Old Town Food Tour: $143
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $178
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Podgorica 21
    Dubrovnik 19

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:

  • ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $333
  • ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $195
  • Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $240
  • Bay of Kotor hiking experience - Montenegro Travel Club private tour: $185
  • Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $156
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Montenegro Tour: $99
  • Book Your Sunset in Budva Tour : $93
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Cheese farm tour in the katun: $279
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Adventure City Game: $6.94
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.56
  • Dubrovnik's Old Town: An Audio Tour of the Walled City: $8.99
  • Red History Museum Regular Ticket: $9.62
  • Love Stories Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $9.62
  • Walls of Liberty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Dubrovnik: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Podgorica 20
    Dubrovnik 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $77
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
  • Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $80
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97
  • Korcula & Peljesac Wine Tasting Group Tour from Dubrovnik: $105
  • From Half-Day Wine Tasting and Cavtat City Tour: $112


When comparing the travel costs between Podgorica and Dubrovnik, we can see that Podgorica 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 Podgorica Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Podgorica or Dubrovnik?

Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Podgorica and Dubrovnik, 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.


When is the best time to visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Podgorica as well as Dubrovnik. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Podgorica is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Podgorica average around 26°C (80°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Podgorica usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Podgorica gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Podgorica are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Podgorica is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Podgorica averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Podgorica. In October, Podgorica usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dubrovnik. Podgorica gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and Podgorica during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the winter, Podgorica is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Podgorica in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. Podgorica usually gets more rain in January than Dubrovnik. Podgorica gets 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Podgorica and Dubrovnik. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Podgorica is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Podgorica average around 14°C (58°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Podgorica usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Podgorica gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Podgorica

Podgorica Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)