Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Sofia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Sofia or Budapest?
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 Budapest. 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 Budapest?
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.
Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest.
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Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesBudapest Prices
Hungary Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $84Budapest $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $84, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $132. 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 Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $44Budapest $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $88Budapest $126
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Budapest
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Budapest? 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 Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $9.11Budapest $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia
Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sofia to Varna (VAR) Airport: $292
- Bansko Transfer from/to Sofia Airport: $292
- Transfer from Sofia to Stara Zagora: $257
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Skopje: $233
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Nis: $233
- Private Arrival Transfer from Sofia Airport to Bansko Ski Resort: $222
- Bucharest: Private Transfer to Sofia: $219
- VIP Transfer from Sofia to Bansko: $198
- Private Arrival Transfer from Sofia Airport to Bansko: $187
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Pamporovo: $171
- Sofia to Bansko Private Transfers: $164
- Bansko Transfer From/to Sofia Airport and Hotels: $150
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride$8.31
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Metro Pass$4.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,152
- Private Transfer to Krakow with Stops + tickets: $809
- Private Transfer to Zakopane with Stops + tickets: $605
- Vienna: Private transfer to Budapest or Budapest to Vienna: $314
- Memento Park Visit with Private Trabant Transfer: $296
- Private Scenic Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 4h of Sightseeing: $286
- Budapest - Vienna Private Car Transfer: $271
- Budapest to Vienna - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $268
- Budapest to Vienna - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $262
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $251
- Budapest-Vienna private transfer with a luxury van: $245
- Budapest - Debrecen Transfer: $233
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest 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 $34Budapest $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sofia
For Sofia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1980s Communism-Era Dinner with Local Host: $35
- Market Food Tour: $54
- Cooking Class in Sourdough Pancakes, Wine & Culture: $59
- Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $115
- Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $116
- Bulgarian Food tasting, cullinary-historical tour, Cooking class: $134
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show: $157
- Sofia Evening Tour with Folklore Program and Traditional Dinner: $187
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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Lunch$4.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner and Live Hungarian Music: $1.51
- Pizza Tasting Experience at Deci Pub: $20
- Hungarian Folk Dance & Concert with Dinner Option: $22
- Folklore Revue Show with Unlimited Dinner & Drinks: $33
- Catamaran Pizza Cruise: $41
- Sir Lancelot Medieval Dinner with Drink and Show: $50
- Budapest Goulash Cooking and Gathering at a Ruin Bar on Saturdays: $56
- Budapest Danube Cruise and Dinner Options, Live Music and Dance: $57
- Budapest Food Tour: Market to Tavern with 12+ Tasters & Wines: $65
- Food Tour Market to Tavern: 14+ Tasters & Wines: $65
- Tipsy Food Tour - Wines, Small Group & Local Guide: $65
- Budapest Cooking Class & Market Tour with Local Guide & Wines: $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $6.43Budapest $26
Tours and Activities in Sofia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.
- 2 hour Small Group Walking Tour with a Local Drink: $36
- 3-Hour Private Bulgarian Food Tasting Tour of Sofia: $101
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour: $69
- 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery day tour from Sofia: $123
- ATV Off Road Tour Near Sofia Guided Quad Bike Experience: $111
- Admission Ticket to the Museum of Illusions in Sofia: $17
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $69
- All inclusive Belogradchik fort and Venetsa cave day tour: $91
- Archaeological tour-From the Neolithic to Modern times in Augusta Trayana: $115
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $69
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $46
- Audio Guide for All Sofia Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to the Baths for Two$8.15
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- 1 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - Parliament Hightails: $45
- 1.5 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - To The Castle Area: $45
- 101 things in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Metro Pass: $198
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $48
- 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $233
- 2-Hour Budapest Fisherman Bastion and Castle District Segway Tour: $70
- 2-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $82
- 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest: $41
- 365 Oldtimer Museum Entry Ticket: $20
- 4 hour The Treasures of Budapest Private Walking Tour: $175
- 6 hour Budapest walking tour: $221
- 60 Minutes Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Rose Wine: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $9.11Budapest $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Sofia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sofia:
- Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl: $24
- Wine and Tapas - Bulgarian's Wine Tasting Experience: $29
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $46
- Sofia Exquisite Wine Tasting: $80
- 1-Hour Private Cheese and Wine Tasting in Sofia: $92
- From Rozhen monastery and Melnik with wine tasting: $105
- Sofia – Kazanluk Rose Valley & Oil Distillery Tour: $115
- Plovdiv and Thracia Valley with Wine Tasting: $169
- Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Day Trip with Wine Tasting from Sofia: $169
- Melnik Wine Tasting tour from Sofia: $174
- Melnik Wine Tour: $175
- Rila Monastery and Wine Tasting Tour: $197
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Ruin Bar Pub Crawl VIP Entry & 6 Free Shots: $8.73
- Budapest Pub Crawl with Drinking Games and Free Shots: $9.33
- Pub Crawl & Ruin Bar Tour –6 Free Shots VIP Entry: $12
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $12
- Guided Pub Tour to Ruin Bars with Games & 6 Shots: $16
- VIP Pub Crawl with Karaoke Chaos, Fire Show, shots & games: $16
- Unmissable Bar Crawls with Shots & VIP Club Entry: $21
- 'Hungarian Wine Tasting Experience' in Budapest by Bortársaság: $21
- Brewery Tour at "First Craft Beer" & Beer Tasting: $26
- Private, Personalized Pub Crawl, 3 drinks included: $29
- Hungarian pálinka distillery visit and tasting: $35
- PRIVATE Budapest by Nights: GUIDED tour whit WINE tasting: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Budapest, we can see that Budapest 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 Budapest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budapest 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 Budapest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Budapest?
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Sofia. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Budapest, 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.