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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Podgorica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Podgorica, 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: San Sebastian or Podgorica?

San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or San Sebastian?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Sebastian is €90, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is €105. 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 San Sebastian and Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Sebastian 40
    Podgorica 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Sebastian 80
    Podgorica 92
Compare Hotels in San Sebastian and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in San Sebastian or Podgorica? 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 San Sebastian


Hotels in Podgorica


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: San Sebastian Hotel Prices and Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Sebastian 14
    Podgorica 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
  • San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291

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

Is it cheaper to fly into San Sebastian or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica and San Sebastian 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
    San Sebastian 31
    Podgorica 41
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    55
  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Lunch for 2
    31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
  • Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
  • Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
  • Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
  • I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
  • Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
  • History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Sebastian 33
    Podgorica 21
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    6.00

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Walking Tour With Pintxo And Drink: $16
  • Guided tour of San Sebastián: $19
  • Walking Tour in San Sebastian: $43
  • Electric scooter city tour: $45
  • City tour, bike ride: $45
  • San Sebastian : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
  • Private Walking Tour in San Sebastian with Pintxo and Drink: $54
  • San Sebastián City Bike tour : $54
  • Private Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour of San Sebastian: $60
  • Hondarribia, S.Juan & S.Pedro Small Group Tour from San Sebastian: $60
  • Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián : $61

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Sebastian 20
    Podgorica 20

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

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

  • Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
  • Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
  • Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
  • Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298

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 San Sebastian and Podgorica, we can see that Podgorica is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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


Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Podgorica?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Podgorica, 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 San Sebastian or Podgorica?

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 San Sebastian or Podgorica in the Summer?

Both Podgorica and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, San Sebastian is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 20°C (68°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Podgorica. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during summer. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Podgorica. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Sebastian 20°C (68°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit San Sebastian or Podgorica in the Autumn?

Both Podgorica and San Sebastian during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Podgorica, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Podgorica. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit San Sebastian or Podgorica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Podgorica. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, San Sebastian is a little warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Sebastian in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during winter. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of rain as Podgorica. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit San Sebastian or Podgorica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Podgorica. Many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

In April, San Sebastian is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 12°C (54°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in April than Podgorica. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and San Sebastian

San Sebastian Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)