Which place is cheaper, Budva or Zadar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zadar or Budva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Zadar or Budva? 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: Zadar or Budva?
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.
Budva
A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZadar $95Budva $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is $95, while the average daily cost in Budva is $98. 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 Zadar and Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZadar $54Budva $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZadar $108Budva $80
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Budva? 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: Zadar Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zadar $10Budva $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
- From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
- From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
- Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
- Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276
- Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
- Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $194
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $194
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Pag Island: $174
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Plitvička Jezera: $271
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Split: $232
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
-
Daily Car Rental$70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58
- Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $58
- Private Transfer from Sveti Stefan to Tivat airport: $71
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $87
- Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
- Private transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik City: $98
- Tivat to Budva one way transfer: $102
- Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $113
- Private transfer Tivat/Kotor/Budva-Podgorica: $125
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $139
Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva and Zadar 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 dayZadar $30Budva $33
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: $39
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Budva.
- Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zadar $20Budva $24
Tours and Activities in Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Zadar historical guided tour: $16
- Old Town Walking Tour: $16
- Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
- Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
- Guided City Walking Tour: $21
- Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
- Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
- Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26
- Guided Old Town History Walking Tour: $26
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
Tours and Activities in Budva
Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Skip The Line Tickets: Budva Citadela Fortress : $6.52
- 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
- From Day Cruise to Boka Bay: $42
- Great Cruise From Budva to Boka Bay in a Day: $42
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
- Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43
- Night Lights Kayak Adventure : $43
- Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $43
- Soul of Montenegro: Kotor, Lovcen and Cetinje Day Tour: $61
- Private Boat Tour Adventure In Budva - Sightseeing & Snorkeling : $65
- Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $65
- Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZadar $12Budva $15
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Budva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Budva:
- Full Day Private Skadar Lake Wine Tour Experience from Budva: $177
When comparing the travel costs between Zadar and Budva, we can see that Budva 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zadar Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zadar or Budva?
Zadar has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Budva, 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.
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.