A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Novi Sad for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Novi Sad?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Novi Sad? 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 Novi Sad?

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.

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the capital city of Vojvodina, the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia. Novi Sad has a population of about 400,000 people and is located on the Danube River near Budapest and Belgrade.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Serbia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade.


Which place is cheaper, Novi Sad or Thessaloniki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, while the average daily cost in Novi Sad is €19. 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 Novi Sad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Novi Sad 11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Novi Sad 22
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Novi Sad

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Novi Sad? 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 Thessaloniki


Hotels in Novi Sad


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 Novi Sad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Novi Sad -

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 Novi Sad

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novi Sad:

  • Belgrade to Sarajevo via Novi Sad Private Transfer Tour: $287
  • Belgrade airport transfers: $30
  • Airport transfer from/to Novi Sad: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Novi Sad?

Prices for flights to both Novi Sad 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 day
    Thessaloniki 42
    Novi Sad 7.68

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Novi Sad -

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 Novi Sad

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

  • From Belgrade: Novi Sad and Fruska Gora National Park Tour: $321
  • Fruska Gora and Novi Sad Heritage & Gastro Private Tour: $171
  • Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci shared tour: $64
  • Novi Sad Private Walking Tour: $254
  • Novi Sad city center and Petrovaradin fortress tour: $80
  • 2-Hour Christmas Walking Tour: $770
  • City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide: $512
  • Private Customized Tour with a car: $209
  • Private Romantic Tour: $513
  • The city center and fortress Private Walking Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Novi Sad -

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 Novi Sad

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Novi Sad:

  • From Belgrade: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting: $80
  • From Belgrade or Private Wine Tour in Fruska Gora: $185


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thessaloniki and Novi Sad, we can see that Thessaloniki is more expensive. And not only is Novi Sad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novi Sad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novi Sad 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 Novi Sad.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Novi Sad Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Novi Sad?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Novi Sad. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Novi Sad, 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 Novi Sad?

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 Novi Sad in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Novi Sad. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Novi Sad. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Novi Sad averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Novi Sad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Novi Sad. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 285 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Novi Sad. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Novi Sad 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Novi Sad in the Autumn?

Both Novi Sad and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Novi Sad. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Novi Sad fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Novi Sad during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Novi Sad. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Novi Sad 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Novi Sad in the Winter?

Both Novi Sad and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Novi Sad in the winter. Thessaloniki is much warmer than Novi Sad in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Novi Sad fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Novi Sad. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 71 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Novi Sad. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Novi Sad -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Novi Sad in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Novi Sad. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Novi Sad. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Novi Sad averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Novi Sad during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Novi Sad. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Novi Sad 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Novi Sad and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Novi Sad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -0°C (31°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 83 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)