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

Should you visit Tihany or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Tihany or Zadar? 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 Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tihany $19
    Zadar $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tihany $38
    Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Tihany and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Tihany or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $606
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $457
  • From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $457
  • From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $396
  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $311
  • Private transfer (Taxi) - Zadar to Split: $282
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $282
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $275
  • Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $275
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $269
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $239
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Split: $231

Is it cheaper to fly into Tihany or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

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

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $38
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Zadar Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $98
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $217

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tihany $4.82
    Zadar $20

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 Zadar

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

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
  • Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $239
  • Zadar Boat Tour Half Day: $54
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $165
  • 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $50
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $217
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $54
  • Daysailing & SUP experience: $98
  • Dream Experience: Luxury Tour through the NP Kornati: $799
  • Dugi Otok Boat Tour- The Best Island Spots, Small Group 12 pax,7 Stops, Full Day: $115
  • Early Bird Group Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $26
  • Early Bird Private Walking Tour - Zadar Old Town: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tihany $6.58
    Zadar $12

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 Zadar

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

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


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


Which is Bigger, Tihany or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Tihany and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Tihany during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Tihany is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Tihany averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tihany. In the summer, Tihany often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Tihany gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Tihany usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Tihany gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tihany or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tihany and Zadar. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tihany is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tihany in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Tihany usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Tihany gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tihany usually receives less rain than Zadar. Tihany gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tihany as well as Zadar. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tihany. In January, Tihany is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around -1°C (31°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Tihany often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Tihany gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Tihany usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Tihany gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tihany -1°C (31°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Tihany are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Tihany is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Tihany averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Tihany usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Tihany gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tihany usually receives less rain than Zadar. Tihany gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Tihany

Tihany Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)