Which place is cheaper, Faro or Sofia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sofia or Faro?
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 Faro. 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 Faro?
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.
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $64Faro $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $64, while the average daily cost in Faro is $143. 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 Faro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $40Faro $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $80Faro $160
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Faro
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Faro? 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 Faro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $8.38Faro $10
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 Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
- Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
- Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
- Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
- Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
- Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
- Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
- Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
- From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
- Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Faro?
Prices for flights to both Faro 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 $18Faro $39
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
- 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $5.92Faro $10
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 Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
- 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
- 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
- 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
- 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
- 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
- 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
- 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
- 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
- A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
- Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
- Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $8.39Faro $3.35
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 Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
- Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
- Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Faro, we can see that Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro 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 Faro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Faro?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Faro, 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.