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

Should you visit Zadar or Novi Sad?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Novi Sad? 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 Novi Sad?

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.

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the capital city of Vojvodina, the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia. Novi Sad has a population of about 400,000 people and is located on the Danube River near Budapest and Belgrade.

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 Serbia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade.


Which place is cheaper, Novi Sad 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 Novi Sad is $20. 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 Novi Sad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zadar $54
    Novi Sad $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zadar $108
    Novi Sad $22
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Novi Sad

Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Novi Sad? 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 Novi Sad


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 Novi Sad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zadar $10
    Novi Sad -

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Novi Sad

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novi Sad:

  • Belgrade airport transfers: $30
  • Airport transfer from/to Novi Sad: $107
  • Belgrade to Sarajevo via Novi Sad Private Transfer Tour: $287

Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Novi Sad?

Prices for flights to both Novi Sad 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
    Novi Sad $8.20

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zadar $20
    Novi Sad -

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 Novi Sad

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

  • The city center and fortress Private Walking Tour: $29
  • Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci shared tour: $64
  • Novi Sad city center and Petrovaradin fortress tour: $80
  • Fruska Gora and Novi Sad Heritage & Gastro Private Tour: $171
  • Private Customized Tour with a car: $209
  • Novi Sad Private Walking Tour: $254
  • From Belgrade: Novi Sad and Fruska Gora National Park Tour: $321
  • City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide: $512
  • Private Romantic Tour: $513
  • 2-Hour Christmas Walking Tour: $770

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zadar $12
    Novi Sad -

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 Novi Sad

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

  • From Belgrade: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting: $80
  • From Belgrade or Private Wine Tour in Fruska Gora: $185


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zadar or Novi Sad?

Novi Sad has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Novi Sad, 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 Novi Sad?

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 Novi Sad in the Summer?

Both Novi Sad and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zadar is a little warmer than Novi Sad. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zadar in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Novi Sad averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Novi Sad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Novi Sad during summer. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zadar usually receives less rain than Novi Sad. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zadar 26°C (80°F) 
    Novi Sad 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Novi Sad in the Autumn?

Both Novi Sad and Zadar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Zadar is generally a little warmer than Novi Sad. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 18°C (64°F), and Novi Sad fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the autumn, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Novi Sad. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 168 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in October than Novi Sad. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zadar 18°C (64°F) 
    Novi Sad 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Novi Sad in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Novi Sad. The winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Novi Sad in the winter. Zadar is much warmer than Novi Sad in the winter. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Novi Sad fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Novi Sad during winter. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 71 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zadar usually receives more rain than Novi Sad. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zadar 8°C (47°F) 
    Novi Sad -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Novi Sad in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Novi Sad. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the spring, Zadar is a little warmer than Novi Sad. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zadar in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Novi Sad averages at about 12°C (54°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 Novi Sad. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 178 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in April than Novi Sad. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zadar 15°C (59°F) 
    Novi Sad 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Novi Sad and Zadar

Zadar Novi Sad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) -0°C (31°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 83 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)