A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Podgorica vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Podgorica or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Podgorica or Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Podgorica 46
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Podgorica 92
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Podgorica and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Podgorica or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Podgorica 20
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Podgorica or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Podgorica 21
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

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

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Podgorica 20
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Podgorica and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Podgorica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Podgorica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Podgorica 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park than you might in Podgorica.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Podgorica Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Podgorica or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Podgorica as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Podgorica is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Podgorica averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica this time of the year. In the summer, Podgorica often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Podgorica gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Podgorica usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Podgorica gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Podgorica are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Podgorica is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Podgorica in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. Podgorica usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Podgorica gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. In October, Podgorica usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Podgorica gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Podgorica during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plitvice Lakes National Park. In January, Podgorica is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Podgorica average around 6°C (42°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Podgorica often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Podgorica gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. Podgorica usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Podgorica gets 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Podgorica and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Podgorica is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Podgorica averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Podgorica usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Podgorica gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Podgorica usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Podgorica gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Podgorica

Podgorica Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)