Which place is cheaper, Budva or Bucharest?
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 Bucharest or Budva?
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 Bucharest and Budva. 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: Bucharest or Budva?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
Budva
A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Bucharest Prices
Romania PricesBudva Prices
Montenegro Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBucharest $194Budva $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $194, while the average daily cost in Budva is $133. 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 Bucharest and Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $68Budva $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $136Budva $86
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Budva? 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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $28Budva $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest Private Transfer Service for Individuals/Small Groups: $35
- Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $48
- Airport Transfer -One way Bucharest Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport : $27
- Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Luxury Car: $112
- Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Luxury Van: $72
- Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $48
- Airport transfer Otopeni to Bucharest : $63
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Business Car: $58
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Luxury Van: $72
- Arrival Transfer: Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov by Luxury Van: $178
- Bucharest Airport OTP Private Transfer to Bucharest Center: $35
- Bucharest Airport Transfer – Private Mercedes V Class: $78
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
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Daily Car Rental$76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- AIRPORT TRANSFER Montenegro Budva Tivat Podgorica Kotor Perast: $68
- Kotor to Budva one way transfer: $111
- Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $168
- Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $46
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $111
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $131
- Private transfer Tivat/Kotor/Budva-Podgorica: $149
- Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva and Bucharest 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 dayBucharest $108Budva $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism & tour after closing: $58
- Eat Like a Local: Food Tour in Bucharest Obor Market: $89
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $94
- Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $107
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $118
- Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $137
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bucharest $16Budva $26
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bucharest 1989 Revolution GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $6.91
- Bucharest Beyond the Boulevards: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Interbelic Bucharest GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $8.32
- Bucharest Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Jewish Bucharest GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $9.53
- Alternative Bucharest Walking Tour: $12
- Bucharest Essential Tour: Old Town, Calea Victoriei & Communism: $16
- Bucharest Old Centre Tour: $17
- Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $21
- Walking Tour- Delightful Bucharest (Highlights, Stories, Sights): $23
- Dracula's Castle, Brasov and Peles Full-Day Tour from Bucharest: $23
- Walking tour of Bucharest: $24
Tours and Activities in Budva
Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $19
- Tour Cetinje, Lovćen & Mausoleum: $24
- Kayak & Hike Experience on Sveti Nikola Island: $53
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $53
- Night Lights Kayaking Tour: $53
- Budva Bay: Kayak & SUP Tour to Coastal Caves: $54
- 2-Hour «Night Lights» Kayak Tour: $54
- Small group kayaking tour from Budva to Sveti Nikola island caves: $60
- Boka Bay: Kotor, Cave, Herceg Novi, & Lady of the Rocks Tour: $69
- Full-Day Boka Bay Cruise Tour from Budva with Guide: $70
- Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $72
- Budva Diving - Scuba Diving Experience: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBucharest $9.92Budva $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Bucharest Pub Crawl: $36
- Bar Crawling: $48
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $59
- Bucharest Private Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $62
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $69
- Private Wine Tasting at Bucharest's First Wine Bar: $106
- Romanian Wine Tasting: $106
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Salt Mine Exploration and Wine Tasting : $113
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Salt Mine in Prahova and Wine Tasting: $113
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Wine Tasting and Salt Mine experience: $113
- Sip & Stroll: Wine Tasting and History Private Tour of Bucharest: $125
- Vineyards and wine tasting experience: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Budva, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Budva much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budva would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budva 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Budva.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bucharest Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Budva?
Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Budva, 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.
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.