A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Timisoara / Temesvar vs. Balaton Lake for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake?

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

Should I visit Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake? 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: Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake?

Timisoara / Temesvar

A very cosmopolitan city, Timisoara has become the main social, economic, and cultural center in western Romania. It is sometimes called little Vienna due to its impressive architecture from the Austria Empire era and abundance of museums.

Balaton Lake

Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Romania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Romania, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, and The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Balaton Lake or Timisoara / Temesvar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Timisoara / Temesvar is $60, while the average daily cost in Balaton Lake is $86. 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 Timisoara / Temesvar and Balaton Lake in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Timisoara / Temesvar $24
    Balaton Lake $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Timisoara / Temesvar $48
    Balaton Lake $96
Compare Hotels in Timisoara / Temesvar and Balaton Lake

Looking for a hotel in Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake? 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 Timisoara / Temesvar


Hotels in Balaton Lake


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: Timisoara / Temesvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Timisoara / Temesvar $25
    Balaton Lake $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Timisoara / Temesvar

Also for Timisoara / Temesvar, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Timisoara Airport transfer to the city: $22
  • Private Transfer from Timisoara Aurel Vlaicu Airport to Timisoara: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake?

Prices for flights to both Balaton Lake and Timisoara / Temesvar 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
    Timisoara / Temesvar $21
    Balaton Lake $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Timisoara / Temesvar

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

  • Taste Romania - Timisoara's Food Tour : $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Timisoara / Temesvar $8.87
    Balaton Lake $20

Tours and Activities in Timisoara / Temesvar

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Timisoara / Temesvar.

  • Ecumenical Tour of Timisoara: $11
  • Timisoara: Shared Guided Tour in English: $22
  • Timisoara Downtown Dream Tour: $22
  • City Tour Timisoara: $38
  • Timişoara: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $42
  • The Classic Tour of Timisoara: $42
  • Private ATV Adventures in Petrovaselo: $43
  • Timisoara City Tour - A Day To Remember: $65
  • Timisoara Grand Tour : $81
  • The Jewish Heritage Tour of Timisoara: $103
  • Discover Timișoara like a Local on the Best Guided Intro Tour: $108
  • The Grand Tour of Communist Ages at Timisoara: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Timisoara / Temesvar $8.25
    Balaton Lake $8.73


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Timisoara / Temesvar Expensive? and Is Balaton Lake Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake?

Timisoara / Temesvar has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Timisoara / Temesvar and Balaton Lake, 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 Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake?

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 Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake in the Summer?

Both Balaton Lake and Timisoara / Temesvar during the summer are popular places to visit.

Timisoara / Temesvar is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake in the summer. The daily temperature in Timisoara / Temesvar averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Balaton Lake, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Timisoara / Temesvar. In the summer, Timisoara / Temesvar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Balaton Lake. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 301 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 302 hours of full sun.

Timisoara / Temesvar usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Balaton Lake. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Timisoara / Temesvar 22°C (71°F) 
    Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Timisoara / Temesvar and Balaton Lake.

In the autumn, Timisoara / Temesvar is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Timisoara / Temesvar in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Timisoara / Temesvar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Balaton Lake during autumn. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Timisoara / Temesvar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Balaton Lake. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Timisoara / Temesvar 13°C (55°F) 
    Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Timisoara / Temesvar as well as Balaton Lake.

Balaton Lake can be very cold during winter. Timisoara / Temesvar can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Timisoara / Temesvar is generally much colder than Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Timisoara / Temesvar average around -1°C (31°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Timisoara / Temesvar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Balaton Lake. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 72 hours of full sun.

Timisoara / Temesvar usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Balaton Lake. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Timisoara / Temesvar -1°C (31°F) 
    Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Timisoara / Temesvar or Balaton Lake in the Spring?

Both Balaton Lake and Timisoara / Temesvar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Timisoara / Temesvar is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake in the spring. The daily temperature in Timisoara / Temesvar averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Timisoara / Temesvar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Balaton Lake during spring. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Timisoara / Temesvar usually receives less rain than Balaton Lake. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Timisoara / Temesvar 12°C (54°F) 
    Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Balaton Lake and Timisoara / Temesvar

Timisoara / Temesvar Balaton Lake
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 76 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 50 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)