A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tihany vs. Budva for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tihany or Budva?

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

Should I visit Tihany or Budva? 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: Tihany or Budva?

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

Budva

A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Tihany?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tihany is $44, while the average daily cost in Budva is $98. 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 Tihany and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tihany $19
    Budva $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tihany $38
    Budva $80
Compare Hotels in Tihany and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Tihany or Budva? 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 Tihany


Hotels in Budva


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: Tihany Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tihany $11
    Budva $22

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:


  • Daily Car Rental
    $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • Private Transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik: $272
  • Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Dubrovnik airport: $239
  • Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $139
  • Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $113
  • Private transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik City: $98
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $87
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $81
  • Private Transfer from Sveti Stefan to Tivat airport: $71
  • Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $58
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Tihany or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Tihany 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
    Tihany $18
    Budva $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Budva.

  • Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tihany $4.82
    Budva $24

Tours and Activities in Tihany

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.

  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.43
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $217

Tours and Activities in Budva

Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
  • Blue Cave Tour on Kayaks in Montenegro: $81
  • Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66
  • Budva Bay Boat Tour - Exploring Budva With A Local: $69
  • Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $43
  • Budva old town private tour: $172
  • Budva private day tour from Kotor: $309
  • Budva/Petrovac: Premium Paragliding Experience: $106
  • 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
  • City Private Tour: $126
  • Exploring Caves & Private Boat Tour: $69
  • Hidden paradise tour with snorkeling and lunch: $213

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tihany $6.58
    Budva $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,209

Sample the Local Flavors in Budva

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Budva:

  • Full Day Private Skadar Lake Wine Tour Experience from Budva: $177


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tihany and Budva, we can see that Budva is more expensive. And not only is Tihany much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tihany would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tihany 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 Budva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budva than you might in Tihany.

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


Which is Bigger, Tihany or Budva?

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