Which place is cheaper, Budva or Sarajevo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sarajevo or Budva?
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 Sarajevo and Budva. 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: Sarajevo or Budva?
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarajevo $70Budva $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarajevo is $70, while the average daily cost in Budva is $97. 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 Sarajevo and Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarajevo $27Budva $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarajevo $54Budva $78
Compare Hotels in Sarajevo and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo 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.
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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarajevo $7.02Budva $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
-
Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
- Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
- One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
- Private Sarajevo Airport Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $142
- Private Transfer from Hrasnica to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $68
- Private Transfer from Konjic to Mostar Airport (OMO): $174
- Private Transfer from Konjic to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $155
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bojnik : $68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
-
Daily Car Rental$70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $139
- Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $58
- Tivat to Budva one way transfer: $102
- Taxi Transfer Budva to Tirana: $294
- Private Transfer from Sveti Stefan to Dubrovnik airport: $218
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58
- Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
- Private Transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik: $272
- Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Dubrovnik airport: $240
- Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $117
- Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Sarajevo or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva and Sarajevo 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 daySarajevo $31Budva $33
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
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.Sarajevo $12Budva $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
National Museum (for 2)$7.64
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
- Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
- Grand Walking Tour: $16
- Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
- HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
- SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
- Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
- Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
- Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
- Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
- Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20
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
- Blue Cave Tour on Kayaks in Montenegro: $82
- Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66
- Budva Bay Boat Tour - Exploring Budva With A Local: $70
- Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
- Budva old town private tour: $172
- Budva private day tour from Kotor: $310
- Budva/Petrovac: Premium Paragliding Experience: $107
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
- City Private Tour: $126
- Exploring Caves & Private Boat Tour: $70
- Hidden paradise tour with snorkeling and lunch: $214
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySarajevo $7.34Budva $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo
Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarajevo and Budva, we can see that Budva is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Budva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budva than you might in Sarajevo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Budva?
Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo 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.
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.