A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tbilisi vs. Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tbilisi or Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar?

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

Should I visit Tbilisi or Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar? 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar?

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.

Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar

Located in northeast Romania, Cluj-Napoca is the capital of the Transylvania region and one of the nation's most-visited cities. Many visitors come to experience the modern Transylvanian university culture, admire historic churches and other landmarks, see fortress ruins, and visit museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Romania, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Romania.


Which place is cheaper, Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar or Tbilisi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tbilisi is $28, while the average daily cost in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar is $85. 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tbilisi $12
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tbilisi $24
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $100
Compare Hotels in Tbilisi and Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar

Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi or Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar? 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar


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: Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tbilisi $5.99
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $14

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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar:

  • Private Transfer Cluj Napoca Airport: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Tbilisi or Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar?

Prices for flights to both Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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 $7.76
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $26

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tbilisi $14
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $8.01

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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar

Here are a few actual costs in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • CLUJ ADVENTURE TOUR ! ZIP LINE and HIKE: $100
  • Cluj - walking city tour: $42
  • Cluj Secret Treasure of King Matia Quest Experience: $6.09
  • Cluj-Napoca Walking City Tour: $59
  • Cluj-Napoca: 2.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour: $27
  • Curly Tour - Day trip from Cluj :): $89
  • Jewish Heritage Tour in Cluj: $55
  • Local Tour of Cluj by Electric Bike: $50
  • Night Tour in Hoia Baciu Forest: $94
  • Private city tour in Cluj-Napoca: $49
  • Snowshoeing Fun Tour from Cluj Napoca: $100
  • Transylvania: Dracula's Castle and Birthplace Tour: $138

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tbilisi $17
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $6.84

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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar:

  • Pub Crawl in Cluj: $28


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tbilisi and Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar, we can see that Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tbilisi or Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar?

Tbilisi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar. When comparing the sizes of Tbilisi and Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar, 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.