A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stuttgart vs. Balaton Lake for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Stuttgart or Balaton Lake?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Stuttgart or Balaton Lake? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Stuttgart or Balaton Lake?

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a large city in southern Germany, notably famous for being the headquarters to some auto industry giants such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The population of the city proper is about 600,000 and there are two and half million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to the 10th century and today it is a large city that still maintains a small town vibe. The local residents are quite friendly and eager to welcome you to their city. They are also very accommodating if you do not speak German, so you can always expect a little help with translation if it is needed.

Balaton Lake

Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, and The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Balaton Lake or Stuttgart?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is €164, while the average daily cost in Balaton Lake is €80. 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 Stuttgart and Balaton Lake in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stuttgart 101
    Balaton Lake 45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stuttgart 202
    Balaton Lake 90
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and Balaton Lake

Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart or Balaton Lake? 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 Stuttgart


Hotels in Balaton Lake


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: Stuttgart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stuttgart 25
    Balaton Lake 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

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

  • Stuttgart Airport (STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpsee Grünten Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer to/from Stuttgart Airport (STR): $103
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Stuttgart or Balaton Lake?

Prices for flights to both Balaton Lake and Stuttgart 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
    Stuttgart 37
    Balaton Lake 25
Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stuttgart 24
    Balaton Lake 19

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

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

  • Wine Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Landesmuseum Württemberg Old Castle Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Stuttgart Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • TV Tower Tickets: $11
  • VfB Fan-Tour at the MHPArena: $12
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $13
  • entertaining guided tour to old town highlights: $15
  • Stuttgart city tour: $15
  • Stuttgart city library - an architectural tour: $17
  • Stuttgart Nature Experience Day: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stuttgart 22
    Balaton Lake 8.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

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

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stuttgart and Balaton Lake, we can see that Stuttgart is more expensive. And not only is Balaton Lake much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Balaton Lake would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Balaton Lake 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 Stuttgart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stuttgart than you might in Balaton Lake.

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


Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Balaton Lake?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart and Balaton Lake, 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 Stuttgart or Balaton Lake?

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 Stuttgart or Balaton Lake in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Balaton Lake. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year.

Stuttgart is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake in the summer. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Balaton Lake. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stuttgart this time of the year. In the summer, Stuttgart often gets less sunshine than Balaton Lake. Stuttgart gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 302 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Balaton Lake. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F) 
    Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Balaton Lake in the Autumn?

Both Balaton Lake and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Stuttgart is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stuttgart in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Stuttgart usually receives less sunshine than Balaton Lake during autumn. Stuttgart gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than Balaton Lake. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F) 
    Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Balaton Lake in the Winter?

Both Balaton Lake and Stuttgart during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stuttgart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Balaton Lake can be very cold during winter. Stuttgart can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Stuttgart is generally much warmer than Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 3°C (38°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Stuttgart often gets less sunshine than Balaton Lake. Stuttgart gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 72 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets more rain in January than Balaton Lake. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F) 
    Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Balaton Lake in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Balaton Lake. Most visitors come to Stuttgart for the activities around the city during these months.

Stuttgart is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake in the spring. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Stuttgart usually receives less sunshine than Balaton Lake during spring. Stuttgart gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of rain as Balaton Lake. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F) 
    Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Balaton Lake and Stuttgart

Stuttgart Balaton Lake
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)