A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Budva for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Budva?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Budva? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Santiago de Compostela or Budva?

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

Budva

A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Santiago de Compostela?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago de Compostela is €91, while the average daily cost in Budva is €91. 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 Santiago de Compostela and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santiago de Compostela 37
    Budva 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santiago de Compostela 74
    Budva 74
Compare Hotels in Santiago de Compostela and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Santiago de Compostela or Budva? 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 Santiago de Compostela


Hotels in Budva


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: Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santiago de Compostela 38
    Budva 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45
  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:


  • Daily Car Rental
    65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $179
  • Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
  • Montenegro Airport Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer Service in Montenegro: $29
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $117
  • Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Dubrovnik airport: $240
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik: $272
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Sveti Stefan to Dubrovnik airport: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago de Compostela or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Santiago de Compostela 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
    Santiago de Compostela 19
    Budva 31
Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    3.50
  • Ice Cream
    2.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Kebab
    7.25
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    28
  • Tuna Empanada
    3.50
  • Fruit Shake
    3.50
  • Crepe
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva

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

  • Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santiago de Compostela 39
    Budva 22

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Old Town of Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour: $1.09
  • Secrets of A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Secrets of Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Old town walking tour with an Official Guide: $11
  • Guided Tour of the Old Town with an Official Guide: $11
  • Hostal de los Reyes Católicos Tour: $13
  • Land of Legends & Meigas Night Tour: $13
  • Night Tour Land of Legends and Meigas: $13
  • Queimada Experience Show and Tasting: $16
  • Museum Tour of Galician Culture: $16
  • Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour & Pórtico of Glory Option: $16
  • Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Budva

Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
  • From Day Cruise to Boka Bay: $42
  • Great Cruise From Budva to Boka Bay in a Day: $43
  • 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
  • Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43
  • Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
  • Night Lights Kayak Adventure : $44
  • Soul of Montenegro: Kotor, Lovcen and Cetinje Day Tour: $61
  • Private Tour: Panoramic route around Skadar Lake: $65
  • Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $65
  • Private Boat Tour Adventure In Budva - Sightseeing & Snorkeling : $65
  • Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santiago de Compostela 23
    Budva 14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214


When comparing the travel costs between Santiago de Compostela and Budva, we can see that Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Budva?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Budva, 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.