Which place is cheaper, Birmingham or Sofia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sofia or Birmingham?
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 Sofia and Birmingham. 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: Sofia or Birmingham?
Sofia
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and also its largest city. Some people have tried to compare it to Budapest, but the cities are actually quite different. In Sofia you will find wonderful European style architecture intertwined with Communist style buildings. It's fascinating to see the two dramatically different building styles immediately next to each other. There are also many Orthodox Churches around town, with their beautiful domes and intricate details.
Birmingham
Birmingham, England, is often known as Britain's second-largest city. It is located in the western Midlands of England. Birmingham is nearly in the center of England, so almost all rail and motorways cross here. The city gained popularity and status during the industrial revolution and is still one of the main cities for industrial production and power, ranging from electricity to metal. Because of its importance as an industrial hub, it is one of the most populated cities in England. In more recent years, Birmingham has done a lot to add to the overall cultural scene of the city with the addition of museums and art.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $64Birmingham $165
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $64, while the average daily cost in Birmingham is $165. 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 Sofia and Birmingham in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $40Birmingham $82
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $80Birmingham $164
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Birmingham
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Birmingham? 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: Sofia Hotel Prices and Birmingham Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $8.38Birmingham $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia
Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sofia to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $687
- From Private Transfer to Bucharest: $448
- Private Transfer from Sofia to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $292
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Sozopol: $292
- Private Transfer from Sofia to Varna (VAR) Airport: $273
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Kavala: $237
- Private Transfer Bucharest to/from Sofia: $224
- Transfer from Sofia Airport to Bansko: $195
- Transfer from Sofia to Stara Zagora: $194
- Transfer from Sofia to Pamporovo: $191
- VIP Transfer from Sofia to Bansko: $186
- Bansko Transfer from/to Sofia Airport: $175
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham
Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
- Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
- Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
- Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
- Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
- Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
- Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
- Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
- Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
- Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Birmingham?
Prices for flights to both Birmingham and Sofia 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 daySofia $18Birmingham $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sofia
For Sofia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Market Food Tour: $47
- Guided Night Tour & Folklore Performance with Dinner: $48
- Half-Day Sofia Evening Walking Tour with Vegetarian Dinner: $49
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show: $97
- Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $106
- Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $108
- Sofia by Night: Private Tour with Dinner: $118
- Evening City Tour with Folklore Dinner: $118
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Private Tour with Dinner, Folklore Show: $131
Typical Food Prices in Birmingham
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:
-
Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station$6.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham
For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $5.92Birmingham $60
Tours and Activities in Sofia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.
- Belogradchik Rocks & Venetsa cave/Small group bigger experience: $98
- Mount Verila Cultural Tour in Bulgaria: $93
- Private Tour from Sofia to the Rila monatsery: $109
- 3 Caves tour - Saeva dupka , Eyes of God cave & Devetashka Cave: $86
- 3-Hour Private Bulgarian Food Tasting Tour of Sofia: $82
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Small Group Day tour from Sofia: $93
- 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery day tour from Sofia: $98
- Admission Ticket to the Museum of Illusions in Sofia: $15
- Adventure Tour to Plovdiv and Rhodope Mountain: $108
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $59
- Afternoon Delights in Sofia Tour: $75
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $59
Tours and Activities in Birmingham
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.
- 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
- Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
- Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
- Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
- Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
- Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
- Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
- Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
- Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
- Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
- Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $8.39Birmingham $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Sofia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sofia:
- Sofia Pub Crawl - Party Tour of Sofia's Best Bars & Clubs: $16
- Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl: $19
- Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars: $20
- Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia: $33
- Sofia Bar Crawl: $54
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $59
- Sofia Exquisite Wine Tasting: $75
- From Rozhen monastery and Melnik with wine tasting: $98
- Private Sofia Tour with Wine Tasting: $107
- Private Sofia City Tour with Wine Tasting: $109
- Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour from Sofia: $115
- Koprivshtitsa and Starosel Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $139
Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:
- Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Sofia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sofia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sofia 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 Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham than you might in Sofia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sofia Expensive? and Is Birmingham Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Birmingham?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Birmingham. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Birmingham, 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.