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

Should you visit Zadar or Mostar?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar? 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 Mostar?

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.

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Zadar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is $95, while the average daily cost in Mostar is $70. 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 Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zadar $54
    Mostar $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zadar $108
    Mostar $72
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Mostar? 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 Zadar


Hotels in Mostar


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 Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zadar $10
    Mostar $8.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar city to Zadar Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar : $49
  • Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar City: $49
  • Split Airport (SPU) to Zadar hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63
  • Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $68

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
  • Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
  • Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $174
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
  • Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
  • From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $267
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar 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 day
    Zadar $30
    Mostar $26

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
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

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

  • Mostar street food tour: $57
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
  • Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zadar $20
    Mostar $9.37

Tours and Activities in Zadar

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

  • Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • Zadar historical guided 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
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
  • Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
  • Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
  • Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26

Tours and Activities in Mostar

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

  • Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket: $5.94
  • Walking tour in Old Town Mostar: $18
  • Walking Tour in Old Town Mostar: $20
  • Mostar city Tour: $22
  • Mostar Walking Tour: Orient in the West: $22
  • Mostar in War: Historical Walking Tour: $22
  • Street Art Guided Tour in Mostar: $22
  • Mostar Private Walking Tour - where East meets West: $32
  • Mostar Shelters tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Ottoman Experience Tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Death of Yugoslavia Tour in Mostar: $38
  • Private Half-Day Oriental Tour of Mostar with Food Tasting: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zadar $12
    Mostar $3.71

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    $6.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:

  • 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zadar and Mostar, we can see that Zadar is more expensive. And not only is Mostar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mostar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mostar 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 Mostar.

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


Which is Bigger, Zadar or Mostar?

Mostar has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Mostar, 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 Zadar or Mostar?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar in the Summer?

Both Mostar and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the summer, Zadar is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zadar in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Mostar averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Mostar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar during summer. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zadar usually receives less rain than Mostar. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zadar 26°C (80°F) 
    Mostar 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar in the Autumn?

Both Mostar and Zadar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Mostar. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 18°C (64°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the autumn, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Mostar. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun.

Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zadar usually gets less rain in October than Mostar. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zadar 18°C (64°F) 
    Mostar 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Mostar. Many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zadar is a little warmer than Mostar in the winter. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Mostar during winter. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Mostar receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zadar usually receives less rain than Mostar. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zadar 8°C (47°F) 
    Mostar 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Mostar. Most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Zadar is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zadar in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Mostar averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In the spring, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Mostar. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mostar. Zadar usually gets less rain in April than Mostar. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zadar 15°C (59°F) 
    Mostar 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Mostar and Zadar

Zadar Mostar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)