Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Sarajevo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sarajevo or Podgorica?
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 Podgorica. 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 Podgorica?
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.
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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarajevo $70Podgorica $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarajevo is $70, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is $112. 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 Podgorica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarajevo $27Podgorica $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarajevo $54Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Sarajevo and Podgorica
Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo 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.
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 Podgorica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarajevo $7.02Podgorica $21
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 Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- VAN Private transfers from Airport Podgorica and city to Budva: $120
- Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $251
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $91
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Bar (and viceversa): $91
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $108
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Bar: $75
- Private transfer from Podgorica to Ostrog monastery (minivan): $117
- Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Ulcinj : $107
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117
Is it cheaper to fly into Sarajevo or Podgorica?
Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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 $31Podgorica $43
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 $12Podgorica $22
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 Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $333
- ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $195
- Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $240
- Bay of Kotor hiking experience - Montenegro Travel Club private tour: $185
- Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $156
- Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
- Book Your Montenegro Tour: $99
- Book Your Sunset in Budva Tour : $93
- Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
- Cheese farm tour in the katun: $279
- Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySarajevo $7.34Podgorica $21
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 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 Sarajevo and Podgorica, we can see that Podgorica 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 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 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 Podgorica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Podgorica?
Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo or Podgorica?
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 Podgorica in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Podgorica. Many visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 26°C (78°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. 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 Podgorica. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun.
Sarajevo usually gets more rain in July than Podgorica. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySarajevo 26°C (78°F)Podgorica 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Podgorica in the Autumn?
Both Podgorica and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Podgorica. Sarajevo usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during autumn. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In October, Sarajevo usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSarajevo 17°C (62°F)Podgorica 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Podgorica in the Winter?
Both Podgorica and Sarajevo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarajevo in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 121 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 Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually gets less rain in January than Podgorica. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySarajevo 6°C (42°F)Podgorica 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Podgorica in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Podgorica. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.
In April, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 14°C (58°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Sarajevo usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during spring. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.
Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sarajevo usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSarajevo 14°C (58°F)Podgorica 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Podgorica and Sarajevo
| Sarajevo | Podgorica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 217 mm (8.5 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.