Which place is cheaper, Novi Sad or Sarajevo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sarajevo or Novi Sad?
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 Novi Sad. 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 Novi Sad?
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.
Novi Sad
Novi Sad is the capital city of Vojvodina, the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia. Novi Sad has a population of about 400,000 people and is located on the Danube River near Budapest and Belgrade.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Serbia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarajevo $70Novi Sad $20
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarajevo is $70, while the average daily cost in Novi Sad is $20. 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 Novi Sad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarajevo $27Novi Sad $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarajevo $54Novi Sad $22
Compare Hotels in Sarajevo and Novi Sad
Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo or Novi Sad? 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 Novi Sad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarajevo $7.02Novi Sad -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
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Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
- Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
- Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
- Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
- Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $30
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Ilidža: $33
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Downtown to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Novi Sad
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novi Sad:
- Belgrade to Sarajevo via Novi Sad Private Transfer Tour: $287
- Belgrade airport transfers: $30
- Airport transfer from/to Novi Sad: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Sarajevo or Novi Sad?
Prices for flights to both Novi Sad 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
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Food Meals for one daySarajevo $31Novi Sad $8.20
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sarajevo $12Novi Sad -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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 Novi Sad
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Novi Sad are as follows:
- From Belgrade: Novi Sad and Fruska Gora National Park Tour: $321
- Fruska Gora and Novi Sad Heritage & Gastro Private Tour: $171
- Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci shared tour: $64
- Novi Sad Private Walking Tour: $254
- Novi Sad city center and Petrovaradin fortress tour: $80
- 2-Hour Christmas Walking Tour: $770
- City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide: $512
- Private Customized Tour with a car: $209
- Private Romantic Tour: $513
- The city center and fortress Private Walking Tour: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySarajevo $7.34Novi Sad -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Novi Sad
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Novi Sad:
- From Belgrade: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting: $80
- From Belgrade or Private Wine Tour in Fruska Gora: $185
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarajevo and Novi Sad, we can see that Sarajevo is more expensive. And not only is Novi Sad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novi Sad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novi Sad 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 Sarajevo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarajevo than you might in Novi Sad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Novi Sad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Novi Sad?
Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Novi Sad. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo and Novi Sad, 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 Novi Sad?
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 Novi Sad in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Novi Sad. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Sarajevo is a little warmer than Novi Sad. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarajevo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Novi Sad averages at about 22°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Novi Sad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In the summer, Sarajevo often gets more sunshine than Novi Sad. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 285 hours of full sun.
Sarajevo usually gets less rain in July than Novi Sad. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySarajevo 26°C (78°F)Novi Sad 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Novi Sad in the Autumn?
Both Novi Sad and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sarajevo is generally a little warmer than Novi Sad. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 17°C (62°F), and Novi Sad fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Novi Sad during autumn. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In October, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Novi Sad. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSarajevo 17°C (62°F)Novi Sad 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Novi Sad in the Winter?
Both Novi Sad and Sarajevo during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Novi Sad. Sarajevo is much warmer than Novi Sad in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Novi Sad fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
In the winter, Sarajevo often gets more sunshine than Novi Sad. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 71 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in January than Novi Sad. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySarajevo 6°C (42°F)Novi Sad -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Novi Sad in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Novi Sad. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sarajevo is a little warmer than Novi Sad. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarajevo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Novi Sad averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Novi Sad during spring. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.
Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Novi Sad. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSarajevo 14°C (58°F)Novi Sad 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Novi Sad and Sarajevo
| Sarajevo | Novi Sad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 83 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
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.