Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv?
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 Plovdiv. 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 Plovdiv?
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.
Plovdiv
Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.
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Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesPlovdiv Prices
Bulgaria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $77Plovdiv $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $77, while the average daily cost in Plovdiv is $95. 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 Plovdiv in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $40Plovdiv $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $80Plovdiv $88
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Plovdiv
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Plovdiv? 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 Plovdiv Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $8.33Plovdiv $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia
Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Sofia HTL-APT (SOF): $48
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Sofia APT-HTL (SOF): $48
- Transfer from the Sofia Airport to your hotel in Sofia by VIP Mercedes V class: $65
- Transfer from Sofia to Stara Zagora: $192
- Transfer from Sofia to Nessebar: $275
- Transfer from Sofia airport to hotel in Sofia OR vice versa: $19
- Transfer from Bucharest to Sofia: $391
- Transfer Sofia Airport/city to Plovdiv with a sedan 3+1: $102
- Private Airport Transfer to Sofia City Center: $31
- Sofia to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $680
- Sofia City Private Transfer to Sofia Airport SOF in Business Car: $53
- Sofia Airport to Borovets Shared Transfer (Max 60 Min Wait): $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv
Also for Plovdiv, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $188
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Varna: $173
- Varna: Private Transfer from Varna to Plovdiv: $173
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Sunny Beach: $149
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas: $135
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $102
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $97
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Pamporovo: $88
- Sofia: Private transfer from Sofia to Plovdiv: $81
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Plovdiv?
Prices for flights to both Plovdiv 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 $31Plovdiv $36
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: $46
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show: $96
- Private Traditional Bulgarian Cooking in Central Sofia: $98
- Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $105
- Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $107
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $5.88Plovdiv $15
Tours and Activities in Sofia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour: $53
- 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery day tour from Sofia: $92
- Admission Ticket to the Museum of Illusions in Sofia: $20
- Adventure Tour to Plovdiv and Rhodope Mountain: $107
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $58
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $59
- Afternoon Delights in Sofia Tour: $74
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $59
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $58
- Best of Bulgaria: Plovdiv, Rila Monastery, 7 Rila lakes in 2 day tours: $96
- Boyana Church & Rila Monastery Full-Day Private Tour: $169
- Bulgaria and Macedonia Full-Day Tour from Sofia: $112
Tours and Activities in Plovdiv
For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Eastern Rhodopes Day Tour from Plovdiv - Thracian Tombs, History & Wine Culture: $166
- 2 Hour Private Superb Buggy Adventure: $193
- Audio Guide for All Haskovo & Kardjali Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $20
- Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv: $81
- Communist Heritage Tour- Buzludzha and The Might of the East Block Aviation: $97
- Day Tour from Plovdiv - Magical Koprivshtitsa, Landscapes & Wine: $155
- Day Tour from Plovdiv full with History, Nature & Forgotten Village Experiences: $143
- Exclusive Private Tour in the Thracian Valley from Sofia: $93
- Explore Bulgaria for 5 days from Sofia,Small group tour: $782
- Explore Bulgaria in 4 days,from Sofia,Small group tour: $729
- Food Walk Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour: $38
- Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $8.34Plovdiv $9.51
Sample the Local Flavors in Sofia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sofia:
- Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl: $19
- Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars: $19
- Wine and tapas - Bulgarian's wine tasting experience: $26
- Wine and Tapas Boutique Bulgarian Wine Tasting : $32
- Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia: $32
- New Year's Pub Crawl Tour: $49
- Sofia New Year's Pub Crawl: $50
- Sofia Bar Crawl: $53
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $58
- Bulgarian Prime Cuts and Wine Tour: $59
- 1-Hour Private Cheese and Wine Tasting in Sofia : $85
- Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour from Sofia: $113
Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:
- Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $20
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Plovdiv : $25
- Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $90
- Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $107
- From Sofia: Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Tour With Wine Tasting: $132
- Half-Day of Horseback Adventure with Wine Tasting: $166
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Plovdiv, we can see that Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Plovdiv?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Plovdiv. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Plovdiv, 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.