Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Zagreb?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zagreb or Podgorica?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zagreb and Podgorica. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zagreb or Podgorica?
Zagreb
Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.
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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZagreb $82Podgorica $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Zagreb is $82, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is $114. 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 Zagreb and Podgorica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZagreb $51Podgorica $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZagreb $102Podgorica $100
Compare Hotels in Zagreb and Podgorica
Looking for a hotel in Zagreb 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: Zagreb Hotel Prices and Podgorica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zagreb $9.69Podgorica $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:
- Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $6.95
- From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
- Zagreb to Franjo Tudman Airport(ZAG) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
- Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $20
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $32
- Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
- Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $40
- Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $41
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $43
- Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Train or Bus Station by car or van: $47
- Arrival Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City by Business Car: $47
- Private Transfer: Zagreb to Zagreb International Airport (ZAG): $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $94
- Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
- From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
- Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
- Private Transfer to Budva: $39
- Private transfer to Kotor: $53
- Private transfer to Tivat: $53
- Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $67
- Private Transfer From Podgorica Airport TGD To Kotor Cruise Port: $47
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Bar : $97
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Herceg Novi: $154
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Zagreb or Podgorica?
Prices for flights to both Podgorica and Zagreb 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 dayZagreb $18Podgorica $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.
- Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
- Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
- Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
- Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
- PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
- Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Podgorica
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Podgorica.
- Hard Rock Cafe Podgorica with Set Lunch or Dinner: $17
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zagreb $13Podgorica $22
Tours and Activities in Zagreb
Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.28
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.49
- Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.62
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
- Small-Group Walking Highlights Tour: $16
- City Walking Tour w/ Funicular Ride and WW2 Tunnels: $19
- City Walking Tour with Funicular Ride & WW2 Tunnels: $19
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: $8.15
- Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
- Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $13
- Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
- Lake Skadar Grmozur Fortress and Monastery Cruise: $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
- Private Podgorica City Walking Tour: $38
- Skadar Lake Cruise with Onboard Lunch: $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZagreb $9.49Podgorica $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb
Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
- Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
- Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
- Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
- Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
- Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208
Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:
- Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $92
- Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
- Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $119
- 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 Zagreb and Podgorica, we can see that Podgorica is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Zagreb.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zagreb Expensive? and Is Podgorica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Podgorica?
Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb 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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb or Podgorica in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Podgorica. Many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zagreb is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 22°C (72°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica this time of the year. In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during summer. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Podgorica. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 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 JulyZagreb 22°C (72°F)Podgorica 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Zagreb or Podgorica in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Podgorica. Most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Zagreb is cooler than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In the autumn, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Zagreb usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 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 OctoberZagreb 13°C (55°F)Podgorica 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Zagreb or Podgorica in the Winter?
Both Podgorica and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. In the winter, Zagreb is much colder than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zagreb in January average around 1°C (35°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).
Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during winter. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In January, Zagreb usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 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 JanuaryZagreb 1°C (35°F)Podgorica 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Zagreb or Podgorica in the Spring?
Both Podgorica and Zagreb during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.
In April, Zagreb is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 13°C (55°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.
Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zagreb usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Zagreb gets 65 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 AprilZagreb 13°C (55°F)Podgorica 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Podgorica and Zagreb
| Zagreb | Podgorica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (35°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.