A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. Maribor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Budapest or Maribor?

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 Budapest and Maribor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Budapest or Maribor?

Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Maribor or Budapest?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $122, while the average daily cost in Maribor is $111. 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 Budapest and Maribor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Budapest $58
    Maribor $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Budapest $116
    Maribor $102
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Maribor

Looking for a hotel in Budapest or Maribor? 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.

Hotels in Budapest


Hotels in Maribor


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: Budapest Hotel Prices and Maribor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Budapest $12
    Maribor $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $7.67
  • Metro Pass
    $4.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer: Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest by Sedan: $83
  • Arrival Transfer: Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest by Sedan: $83
  • Bratislava: Private transfer to Budapest or Budapest to BTS: $271
  • Budapest - Vienna Transfer: $261
  • Budapest Airport (BUD) to Budapest - Arrival Private Transfer : $30
  • Budapest Airport - Budapest City Transfer: $46
  • Budapest Airport Transfer: Budapest City to Budapest Airport BUD in Business Car: $83
  • Budapest Airport and Hotel transfer, private tours : $71
  • Budapest Airport transfer from Liszt Ferenc International Airport to City Centre: $50
  • Budapest City - Budapest Airport Transfer: $38
  • Budapest One Way Private Transfer to or from Airport: $34
  • Budapest Private Airport Transfer: $87

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Maribor

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Maribor:


  • Gondola (for 2)
    $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maribor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maribor:

  • Private transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana city: $274

Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Maribor?

Prices for flights to both Maribor and Budapest 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 day
    Budapest $44
    Maribor $53
Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    $3.74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner and Live Hungarian Music: $1.51
  • Central Market Hall Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $15
  • Hungarian Folk Dance & Concert with Dinner Option: $22
  • Budapest Pizza Cruise: $38
  • Catamaran Pizza Cruise: $41
  • Sir Lancelot Medieval Dinner with Drink and Show: $47
  • Budapest on a Budget: Guided Street Food Tour w/ Sweet Wine: $52
  • Traditional Hungarian Dinner with Live Gypsy Music: $54
  • Food Tour Market to Tavern: 14+ Tasters & Wines: $68
  • Budapest Food Tour: Market to Tavern with 14+ Tasters & Wines: $69
  • Guided Food Tour with Wine, Beer, and Shots: $69
  • Folklore Revue Dinner Show with Unlimited Drinks: $73

Typical Food Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Maribor:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $28
  • Gostilnica Navogalu Cafe Lunch
    $8.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Budapest $24
    Maribor $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    $7.52

Tours and Activities in Budapest

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.

  • Jewish Quarter of Budapest Walking Tour: $2.35
  • Castle District Walking Tour: $2.35
  • Budacastle walking tour: Statues, Storytelling, & Myths!: $2.35
  • Budapest walking tour: Parliament and Shoes Memorial: $2.89
  • Ghetto Wall Exhibition Tour with History Guide: $3.52
  • Walking Tour to the Shoes Memorial and Parliament: $3.52
  • Free Tour Budapest Essential in Spanish: $3.59
  • Budapest Downtown Guided Segway Tour : $3.59
  • Self Guided Tour In Budapest With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.59
  • Free tour of Buda Castle : $3.59
  • Budapest City Landmarks Walking Tour in 2 Hours: $3.61
  • Past and Present of Budapest Jewish District Tour: $3.61

Tours and Activities in Maribor

Here are a few actual costs in Maribor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Day Private Tour: $936
  • WOOP! Pixel Interactive Game Experience: $9.36
  • Private Aroma-Tasting Experience in Vida′s Garden, Maribor: $106

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Budapest $20
    Maribor $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $12
  • Budapest Pub Crawl & Ruin Bar Tour – Free Shots & VIP Entry: $13
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $22
  • Guided Pub Tour to Ruin Bars with Games & 6 Shots: $23
  • New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl + 1 Hour Open Bar: $24
  • Budapest Pub Crawl & Ruin Bar Tour – Free Shots & VIP Entry: $24
  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $24
  • Brewery Tour at "First Craft Beer" & Beer Tasting: $26
  • Private, Personalized Pub Crawl, 3 drinks included: $29
  • Pub Crawl Budapest with Challenges and Free Shots: $30
  • Hungarian pálinka distillery visit and tasting: $36
  • PRIVATE Budapest by Nights: GUIDED tour whit WINE tasting: $39

Typical Alcohol Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Maribor:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Maribor

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Maribor:

  • Maribor Wine Tasting Experience - Discover Local Wines: $38
  • Vinag Wine Cellar Tour with Wine tasting and snacks: $39
  • Stories and Tastes of City Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Maribor & Styria Tour with Wine Tasting: $123


When comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Maribor, we can see that Budapest is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Budapest Expensive? and Is Maribor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Budapest or Maribor?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Maribor, 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 Budapest or Maribor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Budapest or Maribor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Maribor. Many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Budapest is around the same temperature as Maribor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Budapest in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Maribor averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maribor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In the summer, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in July than Maribor. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Budapest 21°C (70°F) 
    Maribor 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Maribor in the Autumn?

Both Maribor and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Budapest is generally cooler than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Maribor. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Maribor in the Winter?

Both Maribor and Budapest during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Maribor in the winter. The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Budapest is much colder than Maribor in the winter. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Maribor fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Maribor. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Budapest -1°C (31°F) 
    Maribor 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Maribor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Maribor. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In the spring, Budapest is cooler than Maribor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Budapest in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Maribor averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Maribor. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Maribor and Budapest

Budapest Maribor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)