Which place is cheaper, Sofia or Rhodes?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rhodes or Sofia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rhodes and Sofia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Rhodes or Sofia?
Rhodes
Rhodes Island is one of the largest and most visited islands in Greece both because of its diversity of sights and its wonderful climate. On the island are some beautiful beaches, well preserved historic sights, and lovely towns. Rhodes City is the capital city on the island of Rhodes and is famous as the former site of the Colossus. Colossus is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Today Rhodes City has an interesting old town that is surrounded by the medieval wall. Inside you'll find countless souvenir shops and restaurants that cater to tourists. Cruise ships also frequent the island, so it's best visited during the off season when the crowds may be slightly less. You will also find that prices drop when the crowds are thinner and the cruise ships are scarce.
Sofia
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and also its largest city. Some people have tried to compare it to Budapest, but the cities are actually quite different. In Sofia you will find wonderful European style architecture intertwined with Communist style buildings. It's fascinating to see the two dramatically different building styles immediately next to each other. There are also many Orthodox Churches around town, with their beautiful domes and intricate details.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRhodes €135Sofia €60
The average daily cost (per person) in Rhodes is €135, while the average daily cost in Sofia is €60. 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 Rhodes and Sofia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRhodes €58Sofia €38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRhodes €116Sofia €76
Compare Hotels in Rhodes and Sofia
Looking for a hotel in Rhodes or Sofia? 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: Rhodes Hotel Prices and Sofia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rhodes €48Sofia €7.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rhodes
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rhodes:
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Taxi Ride€7.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rhodes
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rhodes:
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kiotari (and return): $256
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Glistra-Glystra (and return): $244
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Pefki (and return): $228
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Lardos - Lindos (and return): $225
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Vlicha (and return): $192
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kalathos (and return): $186
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Embona (and return): $154
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kamiros (and return): $154
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Salakos (and return): $154
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Stegna (and return): $138
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Archangelos (and return): $132
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kolympia (and return): $122
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia
Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from Sofia Airport: $49
- Airport Transfers in Bulgaria: $66
- Arrival Transfer: Sofia Airport SOF to Sofia in Luxury Van: $75
- Bansko Transfer from/to Sofia Airport: $175
- Be Eco: Sofia Airport Transfer with an Electric Vehicle: $54
- Borovets Transfers from/to Sofia Airport: $104
- Departure Transfer: Sofia to Sofia Airport SOF in Luxury Van: $75
- From Bansko Transfer with Rila Monastery Visit: $128
- From Koprivshtitsa & Historic Homes Tour w/ Transfer: $53
- From Plovdiv Day Tour with Transfer: $71
- From Private Transfer to Bucharest: $448
- From Private Transfer to Plovdiv: $96
Is it cheaper to fly into Rhodes or Sofia?
Prices for flights to both Sofia and Rhodes 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 dayRhodes €47Sofia €17
Typical Food Prices in Rhodes
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rhodes:
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Coffee€1.95
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Dinner for Two€23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rhodes
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rhodes.
- Rhodes Sunset Cruise - Dinner with Live Music set: $44
- Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $53
- Guided Rhodes City By Night with Live Music & Dinner: $70
- Rhodes by Night With Dinner - Laterna: $72
- Food & Wine Tour: 11- Course Lunch, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting: $75
- Vine & Dine Tale: 11-Plate Lunch, Wine Discovery, Cooking Mastery: $75
- 3-Hours Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner all Inclusive: $76
- Sunset Cruise w/ Gourmet Dinner, Drinks & Live Music: $77
- 11 Course Lunch with Cooking Mastery and Wine Tasting in Rhodes: $84
- Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class : $85
- Traditional Greek COOKING class and Wine Tasting in Rhodes: $86
- Winery Tour, Tasting and cooking with the Winemaker in Rhodes: $86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sofia
For Sofia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Market Food Tour: $47
- Guided Night Tour & Folklore Performance with Dinner: $48
- Half-Day Sofia Evening Walking Tour with Vegetarian Dinner: $49
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show: $97
- Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $106
- Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $108
- Sofia by Night: Private Tour with Dinner: $118
- Evening City Tour with Folklore Dinner: $118
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Private Tour with Dinner, Folklore Show: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rhodes €19Sofia €5.56
Tours and Activities in Rhodes
Here are a few actual costs in Rhodes for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Hour Yellow Semi Submarine Swimming Cruise with Drinks Included!: $55
- Full Day Sail Cruise In Greece: $140
- Private Full Day Tour Introducing the Most & the Best of Rhodes : $96
- Private Swimming Snorkeling Experience at the Most Beautiful Bays of Rhodes : $73
- Rhodes Town Day Tour from Kolymbia in a High Speed Boat: $49
- Rhodes, Lindos and Medieval City Guided Tour: $77
- 3-hour Guided Submarine Tour in Saint Paul's Bay, Lindos and Navarone Bay: $38
- 30m Wooden traditional Boat - 6.5 Hours Day Cruise in Rhodes: $71
- 4 Hour Beach Tour with Meal and Unlimited Drinks in Rhodes: $120
- 4x4 Buggy Adventures - Off-road Polaris Experience: $120
- 6-Hour Guided Tour in the Main Ancient Attractions of Rhodes: $71
- 90 min Sunset Cruise to Anthony Quinn Bay with Unlimited Drinks!: $33
Tours and Activities in Sofia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.
- Audio Guided Museum Paleontology and Historical Geology Ticket: $3.82
- Rila Monastery: Monastery & Museums Self-Guided Audio Tour 7 lang: $5.46
- Self-Guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.61
- Sofia Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Sofia Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-guided Tour in the Museum of Socialist Art: $7.87
- Guided Walking Tour of Sofia: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Audio Guide for All Sofia Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $12
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Sofia Audio guide Tour offers available in 7 languages: $14
- Admission Ticket to the Museum of Illusions in Sofia: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRhodes €12Sofia €7.88
Sample the Local Flavors in Rhodes
Also in Rhodes, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Wine Tasting Experience for Beginners: $37
- Rhodian Wines - Private Wine Tasting Under a Sommelier: $53
- 1 Day Rhodes Island Tour with Olive Oil, Honey and Wine Tasting : $55
- Enchanting Lindos, Old Town, History, Culture & Wine Tour: $56
- Full Day Guided Rhodes Island Cultural & Wine Tour: $56
- Rhodes Shore Excursion Including Olive Oil, Honey & Wine Tasting: $59
- Wine tasting in Rhodes, inside the vineyards with the Producer: $60
- Rhodes Island Tour: Lindos, Old Town, Pottery Workshop, Wine Tasting : $60
- Full-Day Rhodes Island Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $62
- Private Wine Tasting Experience for Wine Lovers: $64
- Rhodes Deluxe Tour including Lindos, Old Town, Wine Tasting : $64
- Full-Day Сomprehensive Tour of Rhodes including Wine Tasting : $67
Sample the Local Flavors in Sofia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sofia:
- Sofia Pub Crawl - Party Tour of Sofia's Best Bars & Clubs: $16
- Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl: $19
- Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars: $20
- Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia: $33
- Sofia Bar Crawl: $54
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $59
- Sofia Exquisite Wine Tasting: $75
- From Rozhen monastery and Melnik with wine tasting: $98
- Private Sofia Tour with Wine Tasting: $107
- Private Sofia City Tour with Wine Tasting: $109
- Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour from Sofia: $115
- Koprivshtitsa and Starosel Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rhodes and Sofia, we can see that Rhodes is more expensive. And not only is Sofia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sofia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sofia 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 Rhodes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rhodes than you might in Sofia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rhodes Expensive? and Is Sofia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rhodes or Sofia?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Rhodes. When comparing the sizes of Rhodes and Sofia, 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.