A Travel Price Comparison for Bosnia and Herzegowina Sarajevo vs. Mostar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sarajevo or Mostar?

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 Mostar. 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 Mostar?

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.

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Sarajevo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarajevo is $92, while the average daily cost in Mostar is $88. 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 Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarajevo $27
    Mostar $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarajevo $54
    Mostar $72
Compare Hotels in Sarajevo and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo or Mostar? 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 Sarajevo


Hotels in Mostar


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 Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarajevo $6.97
    Mostar $8.58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • Experience Airport Transfer Service: $21
  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $22
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $26
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $26
  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $30
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $32
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to) : $32
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Ilidža: $32
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Svrake: $52
  • Private Sarajevo Airport Transfer: $54

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $173
  • Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $121
  • Split to Dubrovnik via Mostar Private Transfer: $518
  • Private transfer from Mostar to Kotor: $259
  • Private transfer between Dubrovnik and Mostar: $205
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Split, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $162
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $211
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Siroki brijeg: $54
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Metkovic: $134
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Blagaj: $39
  • From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $264

Is it cheaper to fly into Sarajevo or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar 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 day
    Sarajevo $53
    Mostar $45
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:

  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $42
  • Experience Eat Like Locals Walking Food Tour: $42
  • Morning food tour: Start a day like a real Bosnian: $45
  • Ethnic Village Food Tour With Optional Mountain Hiking: $63
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $79
  • Experience Bosnian Cooking Class: $85

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

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

  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $20
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in a Medieval Restaurant: $20
  • Medieval 3 course Dinner with Unlimited Drinks: $33
  • Mostar street food tour: $56
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar with Lunch and Drinks: $65
  • From Sarajevo: Mostar Day Trip with Bosnian Cooking Class: $127

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sarajevo $12
    Mostar $9.30
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)
    $7.58

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Svrzo House Entrance Ticket: $3.23
  • Sarajevo History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Ticket : $9.70
  • Konjic City Tour: $12
  • Old Town Sarajevo Walking Tour: $13
  • 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
  • SARAJEVO Walking tour: $16
  • Guided Walking History Tour: $16
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Essential Full Walking Tour: $16
  • Sensational Sarajevo Sunset Walking Tour: $17

Tours and Activities in Mostar

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

  • Charming Private Mostar Walking Tour: $42
  • 2 Hour Private Mostar Marvels Guided Walking Tour: $151
  • 2-Hour Cultural Walking Tour in One City-Three Stories of Mostar: $54
  • All Inclusive Neretva Rafting, Day Tour from Mostar: $146
  • Ancient Roman Horseback Riding Experience: $49
  • Authentic Medjugorje Tour: $81
  • Captivating Mostar - Walking Tour for Couples: $140
  • Captivating Mostar - Walking Tour for Couples: $274
  • Christmas Charms in Mostar - Walking Tour: $194
  • Christmas Charms in Mostar - Walking Tour: $380
  • City Tour: Mostar Medival Town: $28
  • Discover Herzegovina Day Tour from Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj, Počitelj: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sarajevo $7.28
    Mostar $3.68

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    $6.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:

  • 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $90


When comparing the travel costs between Sarajevo and Mostar, we can see that Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Mostar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Mostar?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Mostar. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo and Mostar, 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 Sarajevo or Mostar?

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 Sarajevo or Mostar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Mostar. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarajevo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Mostar averages at about 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mostar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In the summer, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Mostar. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F) 
    Mostar 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Sarajevo or Mostar in the Autumn?

Both Mostar and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as Mostar. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 17°C (62°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar during autumn. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mostar. It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In October, Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mostar. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F) 
    Mostar 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Sarajevo or Mostar in the Winter?

Both Mostar and Sarajevo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Mostar in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun.

Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mostar. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F) 
    Mostar 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Sarajevo or Mostar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Mostar. The spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarajevo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Mostar averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar during spring. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Mostar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mostar. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F) 
    Mostar 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Mostar and Sarajevo

Sarajevo Mostar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)