Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Sofia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sofia or Brisbane?
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 Brisbane. 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 Brisbane?
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.
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $65Brisbane $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $65, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $133. 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 Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $41Brisbane $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $82Brisbane $164
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Brisbane? 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 Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $8.47Brisbane $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia
Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sofia to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $692
- From Private Transfer to Bucharest: $451
- Private Transfer from Sofia to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $293
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Sunny Beach: $293
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $293
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Burgas: $283
- Transfer from Sofia to Burgas: $269
- Bansko Transfer From/to Sofia Airport and Hotels: $263
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Thessaloniki: $256
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Kavala: $238
- Private Transfer Bucharest to/from Sofia: $226
- Transfer from Sofia Airport to Bansko: $196
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.91
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Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Theme Park Return Transfer: $529
- Private Transfer between Brisbane/BNE Airport -Gold Coast / OOL Airport(1-11Pax): $297
- NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Brisbane Airport (BNE): $254
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $228
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $208
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $208
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $186
- Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Car: $145
- Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $132
- Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Day Cruise Transfers: $129
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $123
- Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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
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Food Meals for one daySofia $18Brisbane $31
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
- Half-Day Sofia Evening Walking Tour with Vegetarian Dinner: $49
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show: $98
- Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $107
- Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $109
- Guided Night Tour & Folklore Performance with Dinner: $118
- 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: $132
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.28
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Cup of Coffee$1.98
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.26
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Ice cream$3.63
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.29
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Japanese Soup$7.60
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Coffee & Muffin$4.62
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Morning Mint Tea$2.31
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.25
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Bread$1.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $5.98Brisbane $24
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: $120
- Mount Verila Cultural Tour in Bulgaria: $93
- Private Tour from Sofia to the Rila monatsery: $110
- 3 Caves tour - Saeva dupka , Eyes of God cave & Devetashka Cave: $87
- 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: $99
- Admission Ticket to the Museum of Illusions in Sofia: $15
- Adventure Tour to Plovdiv and Rhodope Mountain: $109
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $59
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $60
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $59
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $43
- 2hr Animal Tour: $73
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $32
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $85
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $131
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $178
- Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $132
- Brisbane : Must See Attractions Private Walking Tour: $87
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
- Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $8.48Brisbane $51
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: $76
- 1-Hour Private Cheese and Wine Tasting in Sofia : $87
- Private Sofia Tour with Wine Tasting: $108
- Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour from Sofia: $115
- Private Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Sofia: $120
- Koprivshtitsa and Starosel Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $140
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.91
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Sixpack of Beer$9.25
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Guiness Beer$5.61
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Sixpack of Beer$8.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
- River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $107
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $134
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Sofia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sofia is in Europe and Brisbane is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Brisbane?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Brisbane, 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.