Which place is cheaper, Bratislava 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Balaton Lake or Bratislava?
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 Bratislava can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Bratislava?
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.
Bratislava
The capital and largest city of Slovakia, Bratislava is set on the shores of the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. While the city is skirted by mountains and vineyards, its 18th century old town center is crossed with cobbled walkways and surrounded by historic landmarks and architecture. One such monument is the Bratislava Castle, set atop a hill overlooking it all-the old town, the river, and the bustle of people in the charming city below.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Slovakia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Slovakia.
-
Balaton Lake Prices
Hungary PricesBratislava Prices
Slovakia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBalaton Lake $117Bratislava $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $117, while the average daily cost in Bratislava is $182. 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 Bratislava in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBalaton Lake $53Bratislava $58
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBalaton Lake $106Bratislava $116
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Bratislava
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Bratislava? 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: Bratislava Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Balaton Lake $13Bratislava $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:
- Private Transfer Bratislava Airport to Hotel in Bratislava or vice versa: $33
- Experience Bratislava with Private Luxury Car Transfer: $35
- Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $39
- Bratislava Airport Transfer with Private Driver to City: $70
- Private Direct Transfer From Bratislava to Vienna City Center: $95
- Luxury Transfer from Bratislava to Vienna or Vienna Airport: $119
- Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna Airport, 2 Hour Stop: $120
- Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
- Private Transfer from Bratislava to Vienna City : $165
- Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Piestany - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $167
- Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest, English-speaking driver: $208
- Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $209
Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Bratislava?
Prices for flights to both Bratislava 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBalaton Lake $52Bratislava $92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bratislava.
- Bratislava Christmas Market Food Tour: $83
- Gourmet Goose Dinner with Cruise on Danube: $88
- Bratislava Traditional Wine and Food Tour: $101
- Vegan Bratislava Food Tour: $113
- Local Beer & Food Tour: $155
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Balaton Lake $23Bratislava $35
Tours and Activities in Bratislava
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bratislava are as follows:
- Bratislava City & Castle Walking Tour with Sebastian in English: $3.56
- Bratislava walk tour with bonuses and castle 3€ + Tip, kids free: $3.57
- The Story of City and Castle Walking Tour with Locals: $4.75
- Guided City and Castle Tour from Bratislava: $5.95
- Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.74
- Bratislava Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.51
- Bratislava Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.51
- Old Town Cake Tasting Experience: $14
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Full Day Ticket: $15
- Discover Beautiful Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Tasting Experience at House of Beer: $15
- Old Town Cake Tasting Experience: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBalaton Lake $9.70Bratislava $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:
- Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.11
- Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.21
- Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $18
- Wine Tasting in city center: $18
- Bratislava Wine Tasting in City Center: $18
- Wine Tasting Experience in the Dark: $27
- Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $27
- Private Pub Crawl with Free Beer and Shots: $35
- Pub Crawl with VIP Entry, Free Shots & Beer: $35
- Bratislava Pub Crawl with Free Welcome Shots: $36
- Slovakian Wine Tasting Experience: $65
- Half-Day Tour with Organic Wine Tasting in Bratislava: $93
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Balaton Lake and Bratislava, we can see that Bratislava 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 Bratislava would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bratislava 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 Bratislava Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Bratislava?
Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Bratislava, 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 Bratislava?
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 Bratislava in the Summer?
Both Bratislava and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Bratislava. Typically, the summer temperatures in Balaton Lake in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Bratislava averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Bratislava. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Balaton Lake. Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Bratislava during summer. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Balaton Lake usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bratislava. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBalaton Lake 22°C (71°F)Bratislava 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bratislava in the Autumn?
Both Bratislava and Balaton Lake during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.
In October, Balaton Lake is generally around the same temperature as Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 13°C (56°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Bratislava. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Bratislava. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBalaton Lake 13°C (56°F)Bratislava 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bratislava in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Bratislava. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bratislava for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Bratislava. It's quite cold in Balaton Lake in the winter. Balaton Lake is much colder than Bratislava in the winter. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Bratislava fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Bratislava during winter. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Balaton Lake usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bratislava. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBalaton Lake 0°C (32°F)Bratislava 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Balaton Lake or Bratislava in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Bratislava. Additionally, many visitors come to Bratislava in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Balaton Lake is around the same temperature as Bratislava. Typically, the spring temperatures in Balaton Lake in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bratislava averages at about 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. In the spring, Balaton Lake often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun.
Balaton Lake usually gets more rain in April than Bratislava. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBalaton Lake 12°C (54°F)Bratislava 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bratislava and Balaton Lake
| Balaton Lake | Bratislava | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.