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

Should you visit Tihany or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Tihany or Kotor? 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor

A coastal town of Montenegro, Kotor is also a beautifully-preserved fortified, medieval town, featuring a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively piazzas, historic churches, and a spread of bars and restaurants throughout its historic Old Town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Kotor 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 Kotor is $108. 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 Kotor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tihany $19
    Kotor $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tihany $38
    Kotor $106
Compare Hotels in Tihany and Kotor

Looking for a hotel in Tihany or Kotor? 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 Kotor


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 Kotor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tihany $11
    Kotor $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:

  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Kotor: $331
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD): Transfer to Kotor Cruise Port: $296
  • Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Podgorica hotels: $296
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Podgorica City: $272
  • Private Transfer from Lustica to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $261
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Budva /Sveti Stefan: $217
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik City: $193
  • Private transfer from Tivat to Dubrovnik airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $154
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica: $154
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Lustica Bay: $152
  • Private transfer Tivat(Kotor)-Dubrovnik: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into Tihany or Kotor?

Prices for flights to both Kotor 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
    Kotor $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor

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

  • Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $225
  • Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $261
  • Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $304

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tihany $4.82
    Kotor $9.01

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 Kotor

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

  • Private Speedboat Tour to Lady of the Rocks and Perast Old Town : $177
  • "Adriatic Adventure: Blue Cave & Islands Speedboat Tour": $46
  • 1-Day Montenegro Hiking Tour to Durmitor National Park : $118
  • 3-Hour Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks Private Speedboat Tour: $293
  • All inclusive - Lovcen tour: $130
  • Ancient Budva & Unique St.Stephen Private Tour: $92
  • Bay of 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour : $54
  • Bike & hike tour : $81
  • Bike tour - Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay: $130
  • Bike tour - Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tihany $6.58
    Kotor $9.22

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 Kotor

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:

  • Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
  • Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
  • Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $250
  • National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $259
  • Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $426


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


Which is Bigger, Tihany or Kotor?

Kotor has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Tihany and Kotor, 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 Tihany or Kotor?

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 Tihany or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tihany as well as Kotor. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tihany is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around 21°C (70°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tihany this time of the year. In the summer, Tihany often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Tihany gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Tihany usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Tihany gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tihany 21°C (70°F) 
    Kotor 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Tihany are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tihany is cooler than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tihany averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Tihany usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Tihany gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Tihany usually receives less rain than Kotor. Tihany gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Kotor 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Tihany during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

Tihany can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tihany is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tihany in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Tihany often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Tihany gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tihany usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Tihany gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tihany -1°C (31°F) 
    Kotor 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tihany and Kotor. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Tihany is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around 12°C (53°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Tihany usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Tihany gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tihany usually receives less rain than Kotor. Tihany gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Kotor 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kotor and Tihany

Tihany Kotor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)