A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sofia vs. Mostar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sofia or Mostar?

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 Mostar. 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 Mostar?

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.

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Sofia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $64, while the average daily cost in Mostar is $70. 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 Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sofia $40
    Mostar $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sofia $80
    Mostar $72
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Mostar? 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 Sofia


Hotels in Mostar


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 Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sofia $8.38
    Mostar $8.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia

Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Sofia airport to hotel in Sofia OR vice versa: $19
  • Private Airport Transfer to Sofia City Center: $31
  • Private Transfer: Sofia to Sofia Airport (SOF): $46
  • Airport Transfer from Sofia Airport: $48
  • Sofia Airport Transfers: $49
  • Private Transfer from Sofia to Sofia Airport SOF in Business Car: $53
  • Be Eco: Sofia Airport Transfer with an Electric Vehicle: $53
  • Private Transfer from/to Sofia Airport : $53
  • Sofia City Private Transfer to Sofia Airport SOF in Business Car: $53
  • Private Transfer from Sofia Airport SOF to Sofia in Business Car: $53
  • From Koprivshtitsa & Historic Homes Tour w/ Transfer: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer from/to Sofia Bulgaria: $54

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • Split to Dubrovnik via Mostar Private Transfer: $522
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $290
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $290
  • From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $266
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $213
  • Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Split, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $163
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Metkovic: $135
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
  • Private Transfer from Jablanica to Mostar Airport (OMO): $135
  • Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar 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 day
    Sofia $18
    Mostar $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sofia

For Sofia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 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: $96
  • Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $105
  • Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $107
  • Sofia by Night: Private Tour with Dinner: $117
  • Evening City Tour with Folklore Dinner: $117
  • Sofia by Night Panoramic Private Tour with Dinner, Folklore Show: $130

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mostar.

  • Mostar street food tour: $56
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
  • Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sofia $5.92
    Mostar $9.37

Tours and Activities in Sofia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.

  • Self-Guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.61
  • Sofia Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
  • Sofia Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.86
  • Guided Walking Tour of Sofia: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Sofia Audio guide Tour offers available in 7 languages: $14
  • Admission Ticket to the Museum of Illusions in Sofia: $15
  • Self-Guided Tour in Sofia: $15
  • Private Kayak Tour on the Pancharevo Lake: $16
  • Communist Walking Tour: $18
  • Communist Walking Tour of Sofia: $18

Tours and Activities in Mostar

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

  • Charming Private Mostar Walking Tour: $43
  • Absolute Herzegovina Adventure - Kravice Waterfalls, Sky Walk, Blagaj, Pocitelj: $65
  • All Inclusive Neretva Rafting, Day Tour from Mostar: $147
  • Ancient Roman Horseback Riding Experience: $49
  • Authentic Medjugorje Tour: $81
  • Authentic Tour Mostar, Medjugorje, Karavice - Farm To Table: $533
  • Captivating Mostar - Walking Tour for Couples: $276
  • Captivating Mostar - Walking Tour for Couples: $141
  • Christmas Charms in Mostar - Walking Tour: $383
  • Discover Herzegovina Day Tour from Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj, Počitelj: $54
  • Discovering The Karstic Landscapes - Hiking Day Tour from Mostar: $72
  • Dubrovnik: Private Tour to Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls: $412

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sofia $8.39
    Mostar $3.71

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: $19
  • Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia: $33
  • Sofia Bar Crawl: $53
  • Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $59
  • Sofia Exquisite Wine Tasting: $75
  • 1-Hour Private Cheese and Wine Tasting in Sofia : $86
  • Private Sofia Tour with Wine Tasting: $107
  • Private Sofia City Tour with Wine Tasting: $108
  • Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour from Sofia: $114
  • Plovdiv and Thracia Valley with Wine Tasting: $119

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    $6.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:

  • 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
  • Dubrovnik: Mostar & Kravica Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting: $59
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91


When comparing the travel costs between Sofia and Mostar, we can see that Mostar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Sofia or Mostar?

Sofia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mostar. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Mostar, 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.