Which place is cheaper, Budva or Tbilisi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tbilisi or Budva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tbilisi or Budva? 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 Budva?
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.
Budva
A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTbilisi $29Budva $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Tbilisi is $29, while the average daily cost in Budva is $98. 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 Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTbilisi $13Budva $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTbilisi $26Budva $80
Compare Hotels in Tbilisi and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi or Budva? 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: Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tbilisi $6.20Budva $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi
Also for Tbilisi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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
- Airport transfer by Visit-geo: $16
- Batumi airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $16
- Comfortable transfer from Tbilisi Airport: $53
- Comfortable,fast and safe private transfer from airport: $30
- From Transfer to Gudauri Ski Resort: $53
- From Tbilisi:Private Transfer service To Batumi: $239
- From Tbilisi:Private Transfer service To Gudauri Or Kazbegi: $120
- GEORGIA Intercity Transfers and Shuttle Service: $140
- Gudauri Private Transfer from Tbilisi: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
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Daily Car Rental$70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $138
- Private transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik City: $98
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $57
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Dubrovnik airport: $239
- Private Transfer from Budva to Tivat Airport (TIV): $67
- Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
- Private Transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik: $271
- Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Tivat airport: $60
- Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Dubrovnik airport: $239
- Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
- Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $113
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Tbilisi or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva 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 $8.03Budva $33
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
- Adjarian Khachapuri Making Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Cooking Class with a Local Family: $49
- Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $70
- Authentic Georgian Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Mother-Daughter Duo in Tbilisi: $71
- Taste of Georgia. Cooking-Class Khinkali, Khachapuri and more: $75
- Vegetarian Georgian Cooking Class: $78
- Food Tour with 9 Tastings and Wine: $88
- In Georgian Cooking Masterclass by Local: $101
- Nana's Kitchen - traditional Georgian cooking class at real Georgian family home: $110
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Budva.
- Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tbilisi $15Budva $24
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
- Private 4 days Food & Wine and Sightseeing tour to Kakheti, Kazbegi, Mtskheta.: $10
- First impression of Tbilisi-3 hours walking tour: $11
- Walking Tour in Old Tbilisi - Group Tour: $12
- Highlands Tour: Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Zhinvali: $12
- One Day Expedition Tour in Kazbegi Mountains: $13
- Guided Half Day Walking Tour of Old 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 Budva
Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
- Blue Cave Tour on Kayaks in Montenegro: $81
- Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66
- Budva Bay Boat Tour - Exploring Budva With A Local: $69
- Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $43
- Budva City Tour: $108
- Budva old town private tour: $171
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
- City Private Tour: $126
- Exploring Caves & Private Boat Tour: $69
- Hidden paradise tour with snorkeling and lunch: $213
- Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTbilisi $18Budva $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Tbilisi
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tbilisi:
- 3 Hours Walk Around Wine Tasting of 12 Different Wines in Tbilisi: $10
- Tbilisi.First impression of Tbilisi-evening walking,wine tasting: $11
- One-day tour of Kakheti from Tbilisi, free wine tasting: $14
- 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
- Kakheti Day Group Tour: Free Wine Tasting: $17
- Jewish Heritage Walking Tour with Kosher Wine Tasting: $18
- Kakheti Wine Tour, Кахетия -Винный Тур: $19
- Kakheti: Sighnaghi city of love, Bodbe, Telavi, Free wine tasting: $19
- Full Day Bodbe Sighnaghi and Telavi Wine Tasting Tour: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tbilisi and Budva, we can see that Budva 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 Budva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budva 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 Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tbilisi or Budva?
Tbilisi has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Tbilisi and Budva, 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.