Which place is cheaper, Braga or Thessaloniki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Thessaloniki or Braga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Braga? 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: Thessaloniki or Braga?
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayThessaloniki €134Braga €112
The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, while the average daily cost in Braga 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 Thessaloniki and Braga in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personThessaloniki €79Braga €54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomThessaloniki €158Braga €108
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Braga
Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Braga? 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: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices and Braga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Thessaloniki €13Braga €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki
Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
- Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
- One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
- Thessaloniki Airport Private Transfer Service: $32
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
- Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $44
- Thessaloniki Airport - Sani Transfer: $81
- Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $82
- Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
- Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131
- Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Braga?
Prices for flights to both Braga and Thessaloniki 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 dayThessaloniki €42Braga €40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
- Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
- Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
- Guided Food Tour: $70
- Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
- Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
- Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
- Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
- Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
- Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
- Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
- Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Thessaloniki €26Braga €16
Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
- Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
- Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
- E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
- Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- KAYAK TOUR I Going down the Lima River in Kayak | AV: $66
- 1h Buggy Tour | Arches of Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $76
- 2h Buggy Tour | Arcos de Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $131
- 4X4 Tour – Minho Litoral - Beaches and Mountains between Viana do Castelo and Caminha: $82
- 4X4 Tour - Discovering Serra d´ Arga: $175
- Alto Douro Walk & WineTour: $197
- TOUR HD BRAGA MERCEDES V EXT LONG: $225
- TOUR HD BRAGA SEDAN: $198
- Barcelos, Braga & Guimarães Tour: $109
- Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour: $321
- Braga Private Walking Tour: $254
- Braga Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $216
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayThessaloniki €15Braga €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki
Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
- From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
- Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
- Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
- Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
- Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
- Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
- Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
- Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and Braga, we can see that Thessaloniki is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga 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 Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki than you might in Braga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Braga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Braga?
Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Braga, 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.
When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki or Braga?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Braga in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Braga. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Braga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Braga averages at about 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Braga. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 308 hours of full sun.
Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in July than Braga. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Braga receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyThessaloniki 25°C (77°F)Braga 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Braga in the Autumn?
Both Braga and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.
In October, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Braga. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Braga fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Braga during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Braga. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Braga receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberThessaloniki 16°C (61°F)Braga 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Braga in the Winter?
Both Braga and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Thessaloniki is much colder than Braga in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Braga fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Braga. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 124 hours of full sun.
Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Braga. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Braga receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryThessaloniki 5°C (41°F)Braga 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Braga in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Braga. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Braga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Braga averages at about 14°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Braga during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.
Braga receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Braga. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Braga receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilThessaloniki 13°C (56°F)Braga 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Braga and Thessaloniki
| Thessaloniki | Braga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (44°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (76°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
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.