A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tbilisi vs. Bucharest for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tbilisi or Bucharest?

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

Should I visit Tbilisi or Bucharest? 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: Tbilisi or Bucharest?

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital of the country of Georgia. Its cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the "Mother of Georgia." Tbilisi’s eternal charms of a dramatic setting in the deep valley of the swift Mtkvari River, picturesque architecture, an ever-lively arts and cultural scene, and the welcoming Georgian lifestyle have been added a whole new 21st-century dimension of inviting cafes and restaurants serving ever better food, up-to-date lodgings from backpacker hostels to international five-stars, interesting bars and clubs, spruced-up museums, galleries, parks, plazas and whole streets, modernized transport and a sprinkling of eye-catching contemporary architecture. The mix of modern and ancient elements makes Tbilisi the beating heart of the South Caucasus and it is well worth a visit.

Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.

Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Tbilisi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tbilisi is $29, while the average daily cost in Bucharest is $140. 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 Tbilisi and Bucharest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tbilisi $13
    Bucharest $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tbilisi $26
    Bucharest $128
Compare Hotels in Tbilisi and Bucharest

Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi or Bucharest? 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 Tbilisi


Hotels in Bucharest


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: Bucharest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tbilisi $6.25
    Bucharest $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi

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

  • (Copy of) Private Transfer: Tbilisi to Gudauri: $145
  • 24/7 Private Transfer from/to Tbilisi Airport : $43
  • 24/7 Taxi Airport Shuttle and Transfer Private Service: $14
  • 3-Day Tbilisi & Mtskheta Discovery + Airport Transfers: $139
  • 3-Day Tbilisi & Mtskheta Discovery + Airport Transfers: $159
  • 4 Days Private Tour in Georgia With Free Airport Transfers: $237
  • 4 Group Tours Including Airport Transfers: $172
  • Airport transfer by Visit-geo: $16
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to Tbilisi Hotel : $41
  • Batumi airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $16
  • Borjomi to Tbilisi Airport Transfer: $66
  • Comfortable transfer from Tbilisi Airport: $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Tulcea Bucharest Private Transfer: $176
  • Transfert Privat București: $61
  • Transfers to Danube Port: Bucharest - Navrom Tulcea: $133
  • Transfer from Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport to Bucharest or Back: $28
  • Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $30
  • Transfer from Bucharest to Brasov - Hotel Pick-up: $178
  • Transfer from Bucharest to Brasov: $166
  • Transfer and Full Access All Day at Therme Spa Bucharest : $111
  • Transfer From Bucharest Airport To Sofia Bulgaria: $296
  • Transfer Bucharest to/from Giurgiu Cruise Port: $143
  • Transfer Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) to/from Brasov: $251
  • Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Tbilisi or Bucharest?

Prices for flights to both Bucharest and Tbilisi 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
    Tbilisi $8.09
    Bucharest $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tbilisi

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

  • Natural Wine Degustation and Tasting with Georgian Dinner Option: $20
  • Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class in Tbilisi: $24
  • Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri: $25
  • Georgian traditional bread "Khachapuri" master cooking class!! : $34
  • Georgian traditional dumplings "Khinkali" cooking master class!!: $34
  • Traveling Spoon Georgian Dumplings Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Adjarian Khachapuri Making Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Middle East Evening with Live Singers and Dinner in Tbilisi: $40
  • Tbilisi Food Tour in a Local Family: $49
  • Tbilisi Food Tour in a Local Family: $49
  • Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $70
  • Authentic Georgian Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Mother-Daughter Duo in Tbilisi: $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

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

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $54
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $67
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $68
  • Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $72
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $77
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $77
  • Mystical beliefs, traditions & history - Walking Food Tour: $83
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $88
  • Cooking traditional dishes with locals: $105
  • Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $131
  • Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $143

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tbilisi $15
    Bucharest $15

Tours and Activities in Tbilisi

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

  • An audio tour of New Tiflis: From flea markets to grand theatres: $5.20
  • Rustaveli Avenue: Roam down Tbilisi's historic main street on an audio tour: $5.20
  • Skip the Line: Experimentorium Ticket: $5.45
  • Tbilisi City Private Walking Tour, Ride by Cable Car to Narikala Fortress : $9.24
  • Old Town Walking Tour: $9.50
  • Virtual tour to Georgia: $10
  • Afternoon Walking tour of Old Town: $10
  • Kakheti One Day Tour with meal: $11
  • From Kazbegi Highlights Guided Day tour: $11
  • Walking Tour in Old Tbilisi - Group Tour: $12
  • From Tbilisi to Kazbegi, Gudauri, and Ananuri: Group Tour: $12
  • Highlands Tour: Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Zhinvali: $12

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bears Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle, Brasov Day Trip Private Tour from Bucharest: $254
  • Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $94
  • Dracula's Castle & Peles Palace Tour from Bucharest Including Brasov Old Town: $189
  • Transylvania Heritage Tour at Peles Bran and Cantacuzino Castles: $94
  • Walking Tour - Delightful Bucharest (Old Town & Victory Avenue): $14
  • 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $176
  • 1 Day ATV Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $211
  • 1 Day Castles Tour - Sinaia and Bran: $140
  • 10 h Ceausescu Communism Private Tour in Bucharest plus Dracula's Grave : $232
  • 10 hours Private Apiary Tour in Romania - From Bucharest: $277
  • 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $237
  • 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,337

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tbilisi $18
    Bucharest $9.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Tbilisi

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

  • Tbilisi Walking Tour Including Wine Tasting Cable Car and Bakery: $14
  • Tbilisi Walking Tour with Cable Cars, Wine Tasting and Traditional Bakery: $15
  • Full Day Wine Tour Bodbe , Sighnaghi , Telavi: $16
  • Wine Tasting Feel the Difference of Qvevri or Classical Wine: $16
  • Tbilisi.First impression of Tbilisi-evening walking,wine tasting: $19
  • Kakheti Wine Tour, Кахетия -Винный Тур: $19
  • Kakheti Day Group Tour: Free Wine Tasting: $20
  • Full Day Bodbe Sighnaghi and Telavi Wine Tasting Tour: $20
  • Whole day Wine Tour to Kakheti from Tbilisi: $20
  • Kakheti: Sighnaghi city of love, Bodbe, Telavi, Free wine tasting: $21
  • City Pub Crawl with welcome shots in game format: $24
  • From Kakheti Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

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

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • Private Bucharest Pub Crawl: $32
  • Pub Crawl Bucuresti Experientã de top în Bucuresti: $33
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $38
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $44
  • Bar Crawling: $44
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $44
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $45
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $48
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $52


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tbilisi or Bucharest?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Tbilisi. When comparing the sizes of Tbilisi and Bucharest, 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.