Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Balaton Lake?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Balaton Lake or Bologna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Balaton Lake and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Bologna?
Balaton Lake
Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Balaton Lake Prices
Hungary PricesBologna Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBalaton Lake $117Bologna $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $117, while the average daily cost in Bologna is $220. 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 Balaton Lake and Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBalaton Lake $53Bologna $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBalaton Lake $106Bologna $204
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Bologna? 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: Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Balaton Lake $13Bologna $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Bologna Airport transfer: $54
- Bologna Private Transfer from Bologna city centre to Bologna Airport: $65
- Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $67
- Departure Transfer Bologna City to Bologna Airport BLQ by Van: $89
- Bologna Airport Transfers : Bologna City to Bologna Airport BLQ in Business Car: $125
- Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Business Car: $125
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Private Transfer from Bologna Airport to Bologna city: $131
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna Cruise Port - Arrival Transfer : $159
- Private Transfer from Bologna (BLQ) Airport to Sant'Agata Bolognese: $168
- Airport Transfer: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna by Luxury Car: $196
- Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer: $203
Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna and Balaton Lake 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 dayBalaton Lake $52Bologna $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Palermo cooking class: $30
- Bologna Private Food Tour Eating around the Centre: $72
- Pasta and Tiramisu Small Group Cooking Class with Wine: $82
- Bologna Walking Food Tour and Highlights with a Local Guide: $82
- Bologna Local Pasta Cooking Class: Ragu, Spritz & Mr. Gelato: $88
- Dinner, Wine & Tastings Walking Tour: $89
- Tagliatelle & Ragù Home Cooking Class with wine: $90
- Dining experience at a local's home in Predappio with cooking demo: $101
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Forlimpopoli with Show Cooking: $101
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lama Mocogno with Show Cooking: $101
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castelnuovo Rangone with Show Cooking: $101
- Bologna on the plate, Cooking Class with Alessia: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Balaton Lake $23Bologna $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
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Food Tour (for 2)$37
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)$134
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Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)$79
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National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)$14
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Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)$14
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.72
- Bologna Secrets Quest: Self-Guided Hidden Gems Adventure: $6.56
- Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $12
- Bologna Audio Tour: Bologna Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Bologna Guided Tour of the Basilica Di San Luca: $18
- Tower and Power, Virtual tour in Medieval Bologna: $22
- Entrance ticket to the Lamborghini Museum in Bologna : $22
- InfernoDante: experience 4 iconic songs in first person with Virtual Reality: $22
- Lamborghini Museum Guided Tour and Entry Ticket: $27
- Archiginnasio Small Group Guided Tour in Bologna: $27
- Bologna : Small Group Guided Tour: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBalaton Lake $9.70Bologna $33
Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Bologna Pub Crawl to meet people: $19
- Private wine tasting of Palazzo di Varignana: $21
- Wine tasting on the hills of Bologna in Dozza: $36
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $42
- Parma Hills and Wine Tasting with Food Platter: $58
- Montevecchio Isolani wine tasting experience: $60
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $75
- Eating Bologna Food and Wine Tour: $112
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with Local Guide : $129
- Cook Fresh Pasta + Wine Tasting (Includes 4-Course Meal): $147
- Bologna Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting in the centre: $155
- Bologna Full Day Food Factory Tour and Wine Tasting: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Balaton Lake and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Balaton Lake much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Balaton Lake would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Balaton Lake 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna than you might in Balaton Lake.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Balaton Lake Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Bologna, 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 Balaton Lake or Bologna?
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 Balaton Lake or Bologna in the Summer?
Both Bologna and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.
Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Balaton Lake. Balaton Lake usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during summer. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Balaton Lake usually receives more rain than Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBalaton Lake 22°C (71°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bologna in the Autumn?
Both Bologna and Balaton Lake during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Balaton Lake is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Balaton Lake in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Balaton Lake often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.
Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBalaton Lake 13°C (56°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bologna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Bologna. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Balaton Lake. In January, Balaton Lake is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 0°C (32°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBalaton Lake 0°C (32°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bologna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Bologna. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.
Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Balaton Lake often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBalaton Lake 12°C (54°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Balaton Lake
| Balaton Lake | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.