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

Should you visit Tbilisi or Plovdiv?

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

Should I visit Tbilisi or Plovdiv? 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 Plovdiv?

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.

Plovdiv

Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv is $81. 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 Plovdiv in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tbilisi $13
    Plovdiv $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tbilisi $26
    Plovdiv $90
Compare Hotels in Tbilisi and Plovdiv

Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi or Plovdiv? 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 Plovdiv


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: Plovdiv Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tbilisi $6.25
    Plovdiv $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi

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

  • Transfers from Tbilisi to skiing resort Bakuriani: $64
  • Transfer: Tbilisi - Kazbegi: $60
  • Transfer: Tbilisi - Batumi: $79
  • Transfer: From Tbilisi Airport to Gudauri Winter Resort: $79
  • Transfer to Ski resort Bakuriani: $181
  • Transfer to Mestia Svaneti: $136
  • Transfer from the airport, railway and bus station in Tbilisi : $200
  • Transfer from airport to any place in Tbilisi: $33
  • Transfer from Tbilisi to skiing resort Gudauri: $61
  • Transfer from Tbilisi to Yerevan whith tour.: $180
  • Transfer from Tbilisi to Yerevan: $25
  • Transfer from Tbilisi to Ski Resorts Gudauri/Bakuriani: $89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv

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

  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora: $89
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $105
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Pamporovo: $91
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $194
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Borovets: $105
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Bansko: $136
  • Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia: $100
  • Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $100
  • Private Transfer from Plovdiv Airport to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $130
  • Private Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $163
  • Private One-way Transfer Plovdiv Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Tbilisi or Plovdiv?

Prices for flights to both Plovdiv 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
    Plovdiv $21

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tbilisi $15
    Plovdiv $16

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

Tours and Activities in Plovdiv

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

  • Eastern Rhodopes Day Tour from Plovdiv - Thracian Tombs, History & Wine Culture: $172
  • 2 Hour Private Superb Buggy Adventure: $199
  • 5-Day Guided Tour to Sofia, Plovdiv and Istanbul: $497
  • Audio Guide for All Haskovo & Kardjali Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
  • Audio Guide for All Plovdiv Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $12
  • Audio Guide for All Rhodope Mountain Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $43
  • Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv: $83
  • Communist Heritage Tour- Buzludzha and The Might of the East Block Aviation: $100
  • Day Tour Rose Valley from Plovdiv - In the Footsteps of Rosa Damascena: $165
  • Day Tour from Plovdiv - Magical Koprivshtitsa, Landscapes & Wine: $159
  • Day Tour from Plovdiv full with History, Nature & Forgotten Village Experiences: $147
  • Exclusive Private Tour in the Thracian Valley from Sofia: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tbilisi $18
    Plovdiv $9.73

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 Plovdiv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:

  • Plovdiv Exquisite Wine Tasting: $65
  • Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $93
  • Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $110
  • From Sofia: Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Tour With Wine Tasting: $123
  • Half-Day of Horseback Adventure with Wine Tasting: $171


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


Which is Bigger, Tbilisi or Plovdiv?

Tbilisi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Plovdiv. When comparing the sizes of Tbilisi and Plovdiv, 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.