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

Should you visit Tihany or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Tihany or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is $70. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tihany $19
    Sarajevo $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tihany $38
    Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Tihany and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Tihany or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo


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 Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tihany $11
    Sarajevo $7.02

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

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

  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $319
  • Split Private Transfer Service: $298
  • Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $298
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Mostar: $290
  • Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $286
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Lukavac: $270
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Tuzla: $260
  • Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Kotor - Budva : $244
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Travnik: $231
  • Private Transfer from Travnik to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $231
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Živinice grad: $231
  • Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Belgrade: $186

Is it cheaper to fly into Tihany or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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
    Sarajevo $31

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Cooking class: Traditional Bosnian Pie: $60
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $79
  • Sarajevo Food Tour off the beaten path: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tihany $4.82
    Sarajevo $12

Tours and Activities in Tihany

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

  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.42
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $217

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.64

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

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

  • Beautiful National Park Sutjeska - Full day Tour: $65
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Sarajevo and Mostar: $163
  • 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $43
  • 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $103
  • Assassination Tour: $27
  • BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $64
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Half-Day Tour from Sarajevo: $80
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $79
  • Bijambare Cave and Spring of River Bosna Tour: $45
  • Bosnia's Treasures: 7-Day Private Tour: $1,304
  • Bosnian Castles Tour: Vranduk Tešanj Srebrenik from Sarajevo: $149
  • Bosnian Kingdom Capitals: Travnik & Jajce Tour from Sarajevo: $137

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tihany $6.58
    Sarajevo $7.34

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: $1,211


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


Which is Bigger, Tihany or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 480 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Tihany and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tihany or Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tihany and Sarajevo. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tihany is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Tihany averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Tihany, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tihany usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Tihany gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tihany usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarajevo. Tihany gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tihany 21°C (70°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tihany as well as Sarajevo. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Tihany is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tihany in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Tihany often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Tihany gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Tihany usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Tihany gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Tihany are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Tihany in the winter. In January, Tihany is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around -1°C (31°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Tihany usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Tihany gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In January, Tihany usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Tihany gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Tihany or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Tihany during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Tihany is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Tihany averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Tihany often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Tihany gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tihany usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Tihany gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Tihany

Tihany Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)