Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Tampere?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tampere or Budapest?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Tampere and Budapest can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tampere or Budapest?
Tampere
Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.
Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Helsinki, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTampere €148Budapest €84
The average daily cost (per person) in Tampere is €148, while the average daily cost in Budapest is €84. 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 Tampere and Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTampere €80Budapest €46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTampere €160Budapest €92
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Budapest
Looking for a hotel in Tampere or Budapest? 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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tampere €59Budapest €9.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere
Also for Tampere, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport: $1,577
- Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
-
Short Taxi Ride€6.47
-
Metro Pass€3.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,581
- Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,289
- Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,059
- Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $930
- Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $706
- From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Budapest: $642
- Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $642
- Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $588
- Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $471
- Budapest-Vienna One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
- Budapest-Bratislava One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest and Tampere 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 dayTampere €33Budapest €22
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
-
Lunch€3.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
- Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
- Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
- Private Street Food Tour: $59
- Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
- Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
- Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
- Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
- Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
- Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tampere €24Budapest €20
Tours and Activities in Tampere
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.
- Enchanting Tampere Romantic Walking Tour: $659
- Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $180
- Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $523
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Entrance to the Baths for Two€6.35
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
- Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
- 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $185
- 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
- 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
- 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $156
- 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $59
- 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
- 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
- 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
- 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest: $37
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTampere €10Budapest €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
- 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
- Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
- Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
- 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
- Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampere and Budapest, we can see that Tampere is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Tampere would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampere than you might in Budapest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tampere Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tampere or Budapest?
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Tampere. When comparing the sizes of Tampere and Budapest, 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 Tampere or Budapest?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Tampere or Budapest in the Summer?
Both Budapest and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.
Tampere is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampere. Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Tampere usually receives more rain than Budapest. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTampere 16°C (61°F)Budapest 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Tampere or Budapest in the Autumn?
Both Budapest and Tampere during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Tampere is much colder than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampere in October average around 5°C (42°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the autumn, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.
Tampere usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTampere 5°C (42°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Tampere or Budapest in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Budapest. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tampere. In January, Tampere is generally much colder than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around -7°C (19°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).
Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tampere usually receives less rain than Budapest. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTampere -7°C (19°F)Budapest -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Tampere or Budapest in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Budapest. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Tampere can get quite cold in the spring. Tampere is much colder than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Tampere often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.
Tampere usually gets less rain in April than Budapest. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTampere 3°C (38°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Budapest and Tampere
| Tampere | Budapest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -7°C (19°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (19°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (50°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (42°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (24°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
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.