Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Varenna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varenna or Podgorica?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Podgorica. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Varenna or Podgorica?
Varenna
A golden light cascades from the heavens, bathing the misty blue mountains in a honey haze. The shivering waters of Lake Como blend the gentle blues and yellows of the sky to a tea rose pink that sits under white sailboats. A quaint village hustled around lush gardens, Varenna, Italy is an attractive fishing village that dates back to the eleventh century. Founded in 769 AD by fisherman, the town was originally destroyed in 1126 AD by the rival town Como, only to be restored refugees from the Isola Comacina whose town was also destroyed. Located on the eastern shore of the lake in the province of Lecco, Varenna is filled with a romantic air from its old Italian fisherman houses to the picturesque lanes. Unlike the towns of Bellagio or Milan, Varenna holds a particular authenticity to Italian culture without the burdens of tourist-ridden streets and hotel-packed areas. As Lake Como works as the main attraction of Varenna, the village provides its visitors with a wide array of entertainment on its pebbly beaches. Besides this, Varenna is also known for its exquisite gardens of two villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Besides this, Varenna also has museums just waiting to be explored. Take a tranquil retreat to Varenna!
Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarenna €164Podgorica €105
The average daily cost (per person) in Varenna is €164, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is €105. 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 Varenna and Podgorica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarenna €86Podgorica €46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarenna €172Podgorica €92
Compare Hotels in Varenna and Podgorica
Looking for a hotel in Varenna or Podgorica? 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.
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: Varenna Hotel Prices and Podgorica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varenna €34Podgorica €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna
Also for Varenna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Varenna : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $358
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- VAN Private transfers from Airport Podgorica and city to Budva: $120
- Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $251
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $91
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Bar (and viceversa): $91
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $108
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Bar: $75
- Private transfer from Podgorica to Ostrog monastery (minivan): $117
- Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Ulcinj : $107
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117
Is it cheaper to fly into Varenna or Podgorica?
Prices for flights to both Podgorica and Varenna 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
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Food Meals for one dayVarenna €53Podgorica €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna
For Varenna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varenna €34Podgorica €21
Tours and Activities in Varenna
For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: $32
- Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes): $43
- Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $112
- Sunset shared boat tour with aperitif from Varenna: $118
- Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps: $150
- Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks: $491
- Bellagio: Private Tour on Vintage Wooden Boat: $664
- Lake Como: Grand Private Tour 5 hours Invictus boat: $1,551
Tours and Activities in Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $333
- ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $195
- Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $240
- Bay of Kotor hiking experience - Montenegro Travel Club private tour: $185
- Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $156
- Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
- Book Your Montenegro Tour: $99
- Book Your Sunset in Budva Tour : $93
- Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
- Cheese farm tour in the katun: $279
- Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarenna €23Podgorica €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Varenna
Also in Varenna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Castello di Vezio: $112
- Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Villa Monastero: $134
Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:
- Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
- Book Your Wine Tour: $77
- Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
- Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
- Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
- Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
- Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varenna and Podgorica, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Podgorica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Podgorica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Podgorica 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna than you might in Podgorica.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Varenna Expensive? and Is Podgorica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varenna or Podgorica?
Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna and Podgorica, 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 Varenna or Podgorica?
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 Varenna or Podgorica in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Podgorica. Many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Varenna is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 23°C (73°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In the summer, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun.
Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. Varenna usually gets more rain in July than Podgorica. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarenna 23°C (73°F)Podgorica 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Varenna or Podgorica in the Autumn?
Both Podgorica and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Varenna is cooler than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Podgorica. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during autumn. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. It's quite rainy in Varenna. In October, Varenna usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarenna 15°C (58°F)Podgorica 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Varenna or Podgorica in the Winter?
Both Podgorica and Varenna during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Varenna can be very cold. In the winter, Varenna is cooler than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varenna in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun.
Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varenna usually gets less rain in January than Podgorica. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarenna 5°C (41°F)Podgorica 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Varenna or Podgorica in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Podgorica. The natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.
In April, Varenna is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 13°C (55°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during spring. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.
Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the spring. Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Varenna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Podgorica. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarenna 13°C (55°F)Podgorica 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Podgorica and Varenna
| Varenna | Podgorica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.