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

Should you visit Tbilisi or Podgorica?

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

Should I visit Tbilisi or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica?

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.

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica 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 Podgorica is $112. 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 Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tbilisi $13
    Podgorica $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tbilisi $26
    Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Tbilisi and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica


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: Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tbilisi $6.20
    Podgorica $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi

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

  • Transfer from Tbilisi City to Tbilisi Airport: $10
  • Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to Tbilisi: $10
  • Kutaisi Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $10
  • Kutaisi: BUS Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $10
  • 24/7 Taxi Airport Shuttle and Transfer Private Service: $14
  • Airport Shuttle and Transfer Service: $14
  • Airport transfer by Visit-geo: $16
  • Batumi airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $16
  • Tbilisi Airport Shuttle And Transfer Service: $18
  • Tbilisi Airport Arrival Private Transfer To Accommodation & Hotel: $19
  • Tbilisi International Airport Departure Transfer From Tbilisi: $19
  • Tbilisi Airport Private Transfers: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $252
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $108
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $88
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Bar (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $109
  • Transfer Podgorica city center- Podgorica Airport: $22
  • Tivat to Podgorica one way transfer: $210
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $76
  • Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
  • Private transfer from Podgorica Airport or city to Tirana Airport: $274
  • Private transfer from Airport Podgorica and city to Kotor: $109
  • Private Transfer: Podgorica to TGD Airport in Business Car: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Tbilisi or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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 $8.03
    Podgorica $43

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
  • Traveling Spoon Georgian Dumplings Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Cooking Class with a Local Family: $49
  • Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour with 9 Tastings and Wine: $70
  • Full Day Tbilisi Tour with Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Activity: $95
  • In Georgian Cooking Masterclass by Local: $102
  • Half-Day Food Tour of Tbilisi Dezerter's Bazaar: $125
  • Private Cooking Class with a Georgian Grandmother in Tbilisi: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tbilisi $15
    Podgorica $22

Tours and Activities in Tbilisi

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

  • Skip the Line: Experimentorium Ticket: $5.45
  • Virtual tour to Georgia: $10
  • Walking Tour in Old Tbilisi - Group Tour: $12
  • Highlands Tour: Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Zhinvali: $12
  • Exploring Tbilisi Walking 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
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Tbilisi City Tour: $15
  • Revolutionary Tbilisi Walking Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:

  • ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $335
  • ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $196
  • Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $241
  • Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $157
  • Bjelasica – Troglava – Zekova glava - Hiking Tour: $260
  • Boat Cruise Viktor Skadar LakeVirpazar Kom MonasteryVirpazar: $14
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $66
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Cheese farm tour in the katun: $281
  • Durmitor - Black Lake & Tara River Canyon - North Montenegro tour: $226
  • Durmitor National Park, Northern Fairy Tail -private tour from Podgorica: $180
  • Durmitor mountain - Glacial lakes - Montenegro hiking tours: $208

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tbilisi $18
    Podgorica $21

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
  • Kakheti Day Group Tour: Free Wine Tasting: $15
  • Full Day Wine Tour Bodbe , Sighnaghi , Telavi: $16
  • Wine Tasting Feel the Difference of Qvevri or Classical Wine: $16
  • 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
  • Whole day Wine Tour to Kakheti from Tbilisi: $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $78
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $98
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $121
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $129
  • Full Day Private Podgorica Wine Tour Experience: $159
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $197


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


Which is Bigger, Tbilisi or Podgorica?

Tbilisi has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Tbilisi and Podgorica, 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.