Should you visit Tbilisi or Budapest?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tbilisi or Budapest? 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 Budapest?
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.
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.
Which place is cheaper, Budapest 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 Budapest is $91. 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 Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi 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:
Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi
Also for Tbilisi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Private trip to Jvari Kazbegi Gudauri With Airport Transfer:
$285
-
Private transfer: Yerevan-Tbilisi:
$250
-
Private transfer from Tbilisi to Yerevan:
$250
-
From Kutaisi:Private Transfer service To Tbilisi:
$245
-
From Tbilisi:Private Transfer service To Batumi:
$245
-
4 Days Private Tour in Georgia With Free Airport Transfers:
$237
-
Transfer from Tbilisi airport to hotel and from hotel to airport :
$203
-
Transfer from the airport, railway and bus station in Tbilisi :
$200
-
Transfer to Ski resort Bakuriani:
$181
-
Private Transfer from Tbilisi to Gudauri :
$181
-
Transfer from Tbilisi to Yerevan whith tour.:
$180
-
Tbilisi - Yerevan Private Transfer:
$179
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
-
Short Taxi Ride
$7.01
-
Metro Pass
$3.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Budapest APT-HTL (BUD):
$57
-
Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Budapest HTL-APT (BUD):
$57
-
Transfer from Vienna to Budapest:
$719
-
T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer:
$1,607
-
Speed boat cruise on Budapest Danube river and private airport transfer package:
$93
-
Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb:
$947
-
Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna:
$599
-
Private transfer from Budapest to Prague:
$1,078
-
Private transfer from Budapest to Bratislava with Hotel or Airport pick-up:
$280
-
Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna:
$479
-
Private arrival OR departure transfer in Budapest (hotel OR airport pick-up):
$101
-
Private Transfer: Budapest to Budapest International Airport (BUD):
$44
Is it cheaper to fly into Tbilisi or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest 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
Budapest $23
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
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer:
$35
-
Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise:
$35
-
Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class:
$40
-
Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals):
$52
-
Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks:
$53
-
Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights:
$58
-
Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne:
$74
-
Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music:
$75
-
Dinner & Cruise on the Danube with Folklore Dance Show & Live Music:
$76
-
Hungarian dinner + Wine tasting in a beatiful Garden:
$78
-
3-Course Dinner Cruise and Piano Show:
$86
-
Dinner Cruise with Operetta and Folk Show:
$86
Entertainment
Tours and Activities in Tbilisi
For Tbilisi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
Borjomi city tour,Тур по Городу Боржоми:
$70
-
Full Day Private Tour in Vardzia, Rabati and Borjomi with Guide:
$90
-
Kakheti One Day Tour:
$22
-
Kakheti wine region - Private Tour :
$72
-
Kazbegi Tour from Tbilisi 2022:
$160
-
Mtskheta One Day Tour:
$58
-
Private Adorable City Tour of Tbilisi:
$34
-
Vardzia - Rabati - Borjomi · Full Day Private Tour · Trending Georgia:
$83
-
tour in art-studio in suburb of Tbilisi,you can take memories of georgia along:
$103
-
'Uplistsikhe'-Borjomi 1 Day Tour:
$50
-
"Exploring A Personalized Private Tour by Car":
$98
-
"Tbilisi to Borjomi Rabati Vardzia:Full-Day GuidedGroupTour:
$134
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
-
Budapest Downtown 90-Minute River Segway Tour :
$50
-
Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise:
$133
-
E-ticket to Vajdahunyad Castle with Audio Tour on Your Phone :
$19
-
Interactive Magic and Witchcraft Discovery Tour in Budapest:
$22
-
Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise:
$244
-
1 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - Parliament Hightails:
$39
-
1 Hour Sightseeing Cruise in Budapest:
$7.76
-
1.5 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - To The Castle Area :
$50
-
101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert:
$188
-
10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks :
$20
-
2 Hour Budapest Market and Tasting Tour:
$58
-
2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian:
$39
Alcohol
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 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:
$18
-
5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars:
$22
-
Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl:
$23
-
Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl:
$23
-
Bingo Bar Crawl:
$26
-
Bingo Bar Crawl:
$26
-
Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots:
$28
-
Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets:
$29
-
Hungarian pálinka distillery visit and tasting:
$33
-
Detective Pub Crawl Game by App:
$39
-
Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide:
$40
-
Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks:
$42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tbilisi and Budapest, we can see that Budapest 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 Budapest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budapest 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 Budapest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tbilisi or Budapest?
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Tbilisi. When comparing the sizes of Tbilisi 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.
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