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

Should you visit Podgorica or Hvar?

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

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

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.

Hvar

Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar 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 Hvar is €102. 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 Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Podgorica 46
    Hvar 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Podgorica 92
    Hvar 76
Compare Hotels in Podgorica and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Podgorica or Hvar? 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 Hvar


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 Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Podgorica 20
    Hvar 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
  • Private Transfer to Budva: $39
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Private transfer to Tivat: $53
  • Private transfer to Kotor: $53
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
  • Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $68
  • Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Bar: $75
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into Podgorica or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar 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
    Hvar 38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

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

  • Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner: $180
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $187
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $202
  • Hvar Abandoned Village Tour with Local Dinner: $214
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner: $234
  • Food Tour: Traditional Flavours and Food Sampling on Hvar: $262
  • The Best of Hvar in a Day with Wine tasting and Local Dinner: $273
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Podgorica 21
    Hvar 7.48

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

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

  • Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.17
  • Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
  • Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
  • Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
  • Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
  • From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Tours and Activities in Hvar

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

  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $22
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $23
  • Private Multi-Activity Experience in Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa: $25
  • Walking tour of Hvar with your local guide: $32
  • Pakleni Islands Self-Guided Kayaking Tour: $48
  • Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands: $49
  • Half-day kayak tour from Hvar town: $65
  • Hvar Island Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $65
  • Private Hvar Island E-Bike Tour: $68
  • Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht: $70
  • Experience Romantic Sunset Sailing on a modern 36ft (11m) sail yacht | Hvar: $71
  • Private Hvar Walking Tour: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Podgorica 20
    Hvar 9.18

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 Hvar

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

  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $118
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $157
  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from Hvar: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Podgorica and Hvar, 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 Hvar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Podgorica or Hvar?

Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Podgorica and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Podgorica or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Podgorica are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Podgorica is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Podgorica in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. Podgorica usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during summer. Podgorica gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Podgorica usually receives more rain than Hvar. Podgorica gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Podgorica during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Podgorica is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Podgorica average around 17°C (63°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Podgorica. In the autumn, Podgorica often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Podgorica gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. Podgorica usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Podgorica gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Podgorica or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Podgorica and Hvar. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Podgorica is cooler than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Podgorica averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Podgorica usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during winter. Podgorica gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Podgorica usually receives more rain than Hvar. Podgorica gets 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F) 
    Hvar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Podgorica as well as Hvar. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Podgorica is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Podgorica in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the spring, Podgorica often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Podgorica gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the spring. Podgorica usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Podgorica gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Podgorica

Podgorica Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)