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

Should you visit Tihany or Tromso?

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

Should I visit Tihany or Tromso? 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso

The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso 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 Tihany and Tromso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tihany $19
    Tromso $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tihany $38
    Tromso $110
Compare Hotels in Tihany and Tromso

Looking for a hotel in Tihany or Tromso? 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 Tromso


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 Tromso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tihany $11
    Tromso $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

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

  • Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $93
  • Private Airport and City Transfer in Tromso: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Tihany or Tromso?

Prices for flights to both Tromso 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
    Tromso $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

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

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $167
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $173
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $186
  • Fjord Cruise Expedition with Dinner,Tromso: $206
  • Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner: $250
  • Aurora Borealis Cruise with Dinner in Tromso: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tihany $4.82
    Tromso $17

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: $5.45
  • 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: $218

Tours and Activities in Tromso

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

  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $74
  • Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran : $135
  • Arctic Landscapes Hiking Tour - Sightseeing & Snowshoeing, Tromsø: $164
  • Arctic Nature Photography Sightseeing Tour from Tromso: $131
  • Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus: $131
  • Arctic Wildlife and Fjord Sightseeing: $206
  • Aurora Adventure Tour with Creative Vacations: $224
  • Aurora Cuisine Cruise: $158
  • Aurora Hunt Tour with Citizen Science from Tromso - Professional Photos Included: $243
  • Brews and Views City Walking Tour in Tromsø with Beer Tasting: $167
  • Discovery tour of the island of Senja and Kvaløya from Tromsø: $262
  • Exclusive Reindeers Experience in small groups, Tromso: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tihany $6.58
    Tromso $8.36

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: $1,219


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


Which is Bigger, Tihany or Tromso?

Tromso has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Tihany and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Tihany are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tihany is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tihany in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Tromso. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tihany. Tihany usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Tihany gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tihany usually receives less rain than Tromso. Tihany gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tihany 21°C (70°F) 
    Tromso 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Tihany during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In October, Tihany is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around 12°C (53°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Tihany often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Tihany gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tihany usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Tihany gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Tromso 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tihany and Tromso. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. The weather in Tihany can be very cold. Tihany is much warmer than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Tihany averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Tihany usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Tihany gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tihany usually receives less rain than Tromso. Tihany gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tihany -1°C (31°F) 
    Tromso -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tihany as well as Tromso. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In the spring, Tihany is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tihany in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Tihany often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Tihany gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Tihany usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Tihany gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Tromso 1°C (33°F)

Typical Weather for Tromso and Tihany

Tihany Tromso
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) -4°C (25°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) -4°C (25°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in) -2°C (28°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) -1°C (31°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -3°C (27°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)