A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sochi vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sochi or Podgorica?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Podgorica? 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: Sochi or Podgorica?

Sochi

Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is one of the southernmost major cities in Russia. It is especially busy in the summer when native Russians and international visitors alike come to enjoy the mountainous coastline and sunny beaches. Sochi is also known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic venues can still be visited today.

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 Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Sochi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $60, 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 Sochi and Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $14
    Podgorica $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $28
    Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Sochi 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.

Hotels in Sochi


Hotels in Podgorica


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: Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Podgorica $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
  • Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
  • Private Transfer to Budva: $39
  • Private transfer to Kotor: $53
  • Private transfer to Tivat: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $68
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $262
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica and Sochi 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
    Sochi $17
    Podgorica $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $112
    Podgorica $22

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

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

  • Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.17
  • Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
  • Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
  • Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
  • Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
  • From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Podgorica $21

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 Sochi and Podgorica, we can see that Podgorica is more expensive. And not only is Sochi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sochi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sochi 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 Sochi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sochi Expensive? and Is Podgorica Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Podgorica?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Sochi 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 Sochi or Podgorica?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sochi or Podgorica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Podgorica.

In July, Sochi is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 23°C (73°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In July, Sochi usually receives more rain than Podgorica. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Podgorica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Podgorica.

Sochi is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Sochi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sochi usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Podgorica in the Winter?

Both Podgorica and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Sochi is around the same temperature as Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sochi in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. It's quite rainy in Sochi. In January, Sochi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Podgorica. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Podgorica in the Spring?

Both Podgorica and Sochi during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Sochi is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 13°C (55°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Sochi

Sochi Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)