A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Split vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Split or Podgorica?

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 Split and Podgorica. 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: Split or Podgorica?

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Split?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Split is $116, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is $112. 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 Split and Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Split $78
    Podgorica $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Split $156
    Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Split and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Split or Podgorica? 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 Split


Hotels in Podgorica


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: Split Hotel Prices and Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Split $15
    Podgorica $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

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

  • Diocletian's Palace & Trogir Old Town with Transfer: $15
  • Split Airport Transfers > Marina Kastela Marina Baotic ACI Trogir: $22
  • Private One-way Split Airport Transfer To/From Split: $25
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split: $27
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Split airport to Split City Area: $30
  • Split Airport Taxi Transfers > Split City Area: $33
  • Luxury private transfer: Split airport to Split: $35
  • Airport Private Transfer to Split : $38
  • Airport Private Transfer from Split: $38
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Trogir: $40
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Slatine (Island Ciovo): $40
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Marina Aci Trogir : $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • VAN Private transfers from Airport Podgorica and city to Budva: $120
  • Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $251
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Bar (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $108
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Bar: $75
  • Private transfer from Podgorica to Ostrog monastery (minivan): $117
  • Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Ulcinj : $107
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Split or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica and Split 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
    Split $25
    Podgorica $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

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

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Walking Vegan Food Tour of Split: $104
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Split $3.96
    Podgorica $22

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Emanuel Vidović Gallery Entrance Ticket: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Split Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Entry Ticket to the Cellars of Diocletian's Palace: $8.56
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Roman Ruins Sightseeing Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Sightseeing Split's Roman Ruins: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Split's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of Serene Seas & Stones: $11

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

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

  • ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $333
  • ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $195
  • Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $240
  • Bay of Kotor hiking experience - Montenegro Travel Club private tour: $185
  • Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $156
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Montenegro Tour: $99
  • Book Your Sunset in Budva Tour : $93
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Cheese farm tour in the katun: $279
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Split $8.49
    Podgorica $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $55
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • From Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $74

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $77
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
  • Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196


When comparing the travel costs between Split and Podgorica, we can see that Split 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 Split Expensive? and Is Podgorica Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Split or Podgorica?

Split has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Split and Podgorica, 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.


When is the best time to visit Split or Podgorica?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Split or Podgorica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Split as well as Podgorica. Many visitors come to Split in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Split is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Split average around 26°C (80°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In the summer, Split often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica. Split gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun.

Split usually gets less rain in July than Podgorica. Split gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Split 26°C (80°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Split or Podgorica in the Autumn?

Both Podgorica and Split are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Split is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Split averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Podgorica. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. Split usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during autumn. Split gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In October, Split usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Split gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Split 18°C (64°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Split or Podgorica in the Winter?

Both Podgorica and Split during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Split because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Split is a little warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Split in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Split often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica. Split gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Split usually gets less rain in January than Podgorica. Split gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Split 8°C (47°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Split or Podgorica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Split and Podgorica. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In April, Split is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Split average around 15°C (59°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. Split usually receives more sunshine than Podgorica during spring. Split gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Split usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Split gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Split 15°C (59°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Split

Split Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)