Which place is cheaper, Budva or Cologne?
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 Cologne or Budva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cologne or Budva? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cologne or Budva?
Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.
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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Cologne Prices
Germany PricesBudva Prices
Montenegro Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCologne €197Budva €113
The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €197, while the average daily cost in Budva is €113. 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 Cologne and Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCologne €91Budva €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCologne €182Budva €74
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Cologne 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: Cologne Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cologne €19Budva €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Arrival Transfer Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Sedan: $72
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $155
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $167
- Cologne CGN Airpot to Köln | Bonn | Dusseldorf Private Transfer: $42
- Cologne Bonn CGN Airport to Hotels Private Transfer: $37
- Departure Private Transfer Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne by Car: $72
- Private Limousine Transfer from Cologne Airport to Cologne City: $108
- Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $91
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
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Daily Car Rental€65
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 Cologne or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva and Cologne 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 dayCologne €87Budva €53
Typical Food Prices in Cologne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
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Dinner€14
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Donner Kebab€4.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
- Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cologne €20Budva €22
Tours and Activities in Cologne
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Walking tour of The essential and unmissable: $3.57
- The Dark Side of the Dom Tour: $3.58
- Cologne Highlights, Stories, and Local Atmosphere Tour: $3.58
- Cologne Cathedral tour audio guide with mobile app: $4.92
- Cologne Walking Tour from Roman Era to World War 2 with an App : $6.93
- Aachen Cathedral tour with audioguide on mobile app: $6.93
- Cologne Walking Tour with Audioguide: City and Cathedral: $8.35
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.36
- Cologne Interactive City Tour: $8.36
- Cologne Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.55
- Aachen Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.55
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 dayCologne €23Budva €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:
- Old Town Walking Tour with 1 Brewery Visit & 1 Beer: $21
- Informative and fun brewery tour in German, public: $23
- Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $24
- Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $24
- Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $24
- Brewery tour in Cologne including a variety of tastings: $29
- South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $29
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Cologne - Shots and Party!: $30
- Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $32
- Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $33
- Kölsch Brewery Tour with 3 Beers Included: $33
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cologne and Budva, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cologne or Budva?
Cologne has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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.