A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wellington vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Wellington or Podgorica?

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

Should I visit Wellington or Podgorica? 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: Wellington or Podgorica?

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Wellington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wellington is $104, while the average daily cost in Podgorica 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 Wellington and Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wellington $61
    Podgorica $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wellington $122
    Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Wellington and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Wellington 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.

Hotels in Wellington


Hotels in Podgorica


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: Wellington Hotel Prices and Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wellington $12
    Podgorica $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

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

  • Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $11
  • Departure Transfer: Wellington Central City Centre Hotels to Wellington Airport: $13
  • Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $26
  • Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
  • Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $62
  • Private Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver: $74
  • Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $77
  • Private Airport Transfer: $78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $252
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $108
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $88
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Bar (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $109
  • Transfer Podgorica city center- Podgorica Airport: $22
  • Tivat to Podgorica one way transfer: $210
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $76
  • Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
  • Private transfer from Podgorica Airport or city to Tirana Airport: $274
  • Private transfer from Airport Podgorica and city to Kotor: $109
  • Private Transfer: Podgorica to TGD Airport in Business Car: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica and Wellington 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
    Wellington $30
    Podgorica $43
Typical Food Prices in Wellington

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


  • Dinner
    $9.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

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

  • Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $153
  • A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wellington $16
    Podgorica $22

Tours and Activities in Wellington

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

  • Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.61
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Gallipoli Early Entry Ticket: $9.02
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa Twilight Express Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Mana Māori Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Guided Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Small Group Guided Tour: $14
  • Wellington Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Skip the Line: Staglands Wildlife Reserve Entry Ticket: $16
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Atlantis: $28
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $28
  • Wētā Workshop Experience and Guided Tour: $33

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: $335
  • ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $196
  • Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $241
  • Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $157
  • Bjelasica – Troglava – Zekova glava - Hiking Tour: $260
  • Boat Cruise Viktor Skadar LakeVirpazar Kom MonasteryVirpazar: $14
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $66
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Cheese farm tour in the katun: $281
  • Durmitor - Black Lake & Tara River Canyon - North Montenegro tour: $226
  • Durmitor National Park, Northern Fairy Tail -private tour from Podgorica: $180
  • Durmitor mountain - Glacial lakes - Montenegro hiking tours: $208

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wellington $12
    Podgorica $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

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

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $93
  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $96
  • 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch: $153
  • Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $172
  • Full Day Martinborough Wine Tour: $178
  • 1/2 Day Martinborough Private Chefs wine tastings tour with lunch: $245
  • Martinborough Private 5 hour Food & Wine tour with Gourmet lunch: $264
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $361

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: $78
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $98
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $121
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $129
  • Full Day Private Podgorica Wine Tour Experience: $159
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $197


When comparing the travel costs between Wellington and Podgorica, we can see that Podgorica is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Wellington is in Pacific and Podgorica is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Wellington Expensive? and Is Podgorica Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wellington or Podgorica?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Podgorica?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Podgorica has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or Podgorica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Podgorica. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Wellington is generally cooler than Podgoricain July. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 18°C (64°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 Wellington this time of the year. In the summer, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Podgoricain July. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in January than Podgoricain July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Wellington 18°C (64°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Podgorica in the Autumn?

Both Podgorica and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Wellington is cooler than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Podgorica. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during autumn. Wellington gets 163 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. In April, Wellington usually receives less rain than Podgoricain October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Wellington 15°C (58°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Podgorica in the Winter?

Both Podgorica and Wellington during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Wellington is much warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wellington in July average around 10°C (49°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F)in January.

In the winter, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgoricain January. Wellington gets 122 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Wellington. Wellington usually gets less rain in July than Podgoricain January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Wellington 10°C (49°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Podgorica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Podgorica. The spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches.

In October, Wellington is generally cooler than Podgoricain April. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 13°C (55°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Wellington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Wellington usually receives less rain than Podgoricain April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Wellington 13°C (55°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Wellington

Wellington Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)