Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Zadar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zadar or Podgorica?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Zadar 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: Zadar or Podgorica?
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.
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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZadar $95Podgorica $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is $95, 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 Zadar and Podgorica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZadar $54Podgorica $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZadar $108Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Podgorica
Looking for a hotel in Zadar 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: Zadar Hotel Prices and Podgorica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zadar $10Podgorica $21
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 Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
- Private Transfer to Budva: $39
- Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Private transfer to Tivat: $53
- Private transfer to Kotor: $53
- From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
- Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $68
- Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Bar: $75
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Podgorica?
Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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
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Food Meals for one dayZadar $30Podgorica $43
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zadar $20Podgorica $22
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 Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.17
- Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
- Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
- Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
- Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
- Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
- Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
- From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
- Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
- Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
- Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZadar $12Podgorica $21
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 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 Zadar and Podgorica, we can see that Podgorica is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar 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 Podgorica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Podgorica than you might in Zadar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zadar Expensive? and Is Podgorica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zadar or Podgorica?
Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Zadar 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 Zadar or Podgorica?
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 Podgorica in the Summer?
Both Podgorica and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 26°C (80°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Podgorica. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during summer. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zadar usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZadar 26°C (80°F)Podgorica 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Zadar or Podgorica in the Autumn?
Both Podgorica and Zadar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Zadar is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Podgorica, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the autumn, Zadar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.
Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zadar usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZadar 18°C (64°F)Podgorica 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Zadar or Podgorica in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Podgorica. Most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Zadar is a little warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zadar in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).
Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during winter. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.
Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zadar usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZadar 8°C (47°F)Podgorica 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Zadar or Podgorica in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Podgorica. The spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 15°C (59°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 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 Podgorica. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Zadar usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZadar 15°C (59°F)Podgorica 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Podgorica and Zadar
| Zadar | Podgorica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.