Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Tbilisi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTbilisi $28Bucharest $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Tbilisi is $28, 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTbilisi $12Bucharest $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTbilisi $24Bucharest $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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tbilisi $5.99Bucharest $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi
Also for Tbilisi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tbilisi Airport to Tbilisi city : Private Transfer: $9.81
- 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: $159
- 3-Day Tbilisi & Mtskheta Discovery + Airport Transfers: $139
- A shared transfer from Tbilisi to Borjomi: $24
- A shared transfer from Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): $32
- A shared transfer to Gudauri from Tbilisi: $32
- Batumi airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $16
- Borjomi to Tbilisi Airport Transfer: $66
- Comfortable transfer from Tbilisi Airport: $54
- Comfortable,fast and safe private transfer from airport: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Transfert Privat București: $61
- Transfers to Danube Port: Bucharest - Navrom Tulcea: $133
- Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $30
- Transfer From Bucharest Airport To Sofia Bulgaria: $296
- Transfer Bucharest to/from Giurgiu Cruise Port: $143
- Transfer Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) to/from Brasov: $249
- Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $293
- Transfer Airport Otopeni - Bucharest: $44
- Transfer Aeroport Otopeni: $66
- Transfer & Access for 4.5-Hour at Therme Bucuresti: $60
- Targoviste to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Car and Driver: $189
- Salt Mine Entrance Ticket and Transfer from Bucharest: $60
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
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Food Meals for one dayTbilisi $7.76Bucharest $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tbilisi
For Tbilisi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class in Tbilisi: $24
- Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri: $25
- Georgian traditional dumplings "Khinkali" cooking master class!!: $34
- Best of Tbilisi wine and food tour with local guide: $35
- Adjarian Khachapuri Making Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Cooking Class with a Local Family: $49
- Tbilisi Food Tour in a Local Family: $49
- Discovery more Tbilisi evening wine tasting food tour: $65
- Food Tour with 9 Tastings and Wine: $70
- Authentic Georgian Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Mother-Daughter Duo in Tbilisi: $71
- Tbilisi Street Food Tour (All-inclusive): $80
- Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner and tour inside the Museum of Communism: $51
- Dinner inside the Museum of Communism & private tour: $54
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $61
- Cooking Class traditional food: $67
- Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $72
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $75
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $86
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $88
- Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $110
- Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $143
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $206
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tbilisi $14Bucharest $15
Tours and Activities in Tbilisi
For Tbilisi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Rustaveli Avenue: Roam down Tbilisi's historic main street on an audio tour: $5.20
- Old Town Walking Tour - Must-See Attractions: $9.50
- Virtual tour to Georgia: $10
- Private 4 days Food & Wine and Sightseeing tour to Kakheti, Kazbegi, Mtskheta.: $10
- Discover Hidden Gems and Iconic Sights Walking Tour: $10
- Highlands Tour: Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Zhinvali: $11
- Walking Tour in Old Tbilisi - Group Tour: $12
- From Tbilisi to Kazbegi, Gudauri, and Ananuri: Group Tour: $12
- 3 Hour Walking Tour in Tbilisi: $13
- Afternoon Walking tour of Old Town: $13
- Tbilisi Guided Walking Tour: $13
- Underground Printing House Museum Tour in Tbilisi: $14
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: $105
- 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
- 10 h Ceausescu Communism Private Tour in Bucharest plus Dracula's Grave : $244
- 10 hours Private Apiary Tour in Romania - From Bucharest: $278
- 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $263
- 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,820
- 2 Days Private Tour - The Romanian Caves from Bucharest: $570
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTbilisi $17Bucharest $9.33
Sample the Local Flavors in Tbilisi
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tbilisi:
- Full Day Wine Tour Bodbe , Sighnaghi , Telavi: $14
- Guided Walking Tour of Old Tbilisi with Free Wine Tasting: $14
- One-day tour of Kakheti from Tbilisi, free wine tasting: $14
- From Kakheti - Sighnaghi & 7Wine Tasting GuidedTour: $15
- Tbilisi Walking Tour with Cable Cars, Wine Tasting and Traditional Bakery: $15
- From Kakheti Free Wine Tasting and Cultural Tour: $15
- Kakheti Day Group Tour: Free Wine Tasting: $15
- Wine Tasting Feel the Difference of Qvevri or Classical Wine: $16
- From Kakheti Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $17
- From Tbilisi to Bodbe Kakheti Signaghi & Wine Tasting Free: $17
- Tbilisi.First impression of Tbilisi-evening walking,wine tasting: $19
- Tbilisi Walking Tour Including Wine Tasting Cable Car and Bakery: $19
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
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $38
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $48
- Private Wine Tasting Experience: $49
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $52
- Bucharest Guided Pub Crawl: $53
- Guided Pub Crawl in Bucharest: $57
- Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $58
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $60
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $61
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $65
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.
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.