Which place is cheaper, Balaton Lake or Geneva?
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 Geneva or Balaton Lake?
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 Geneva and Balaton Lake. 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: Geneva or Balaton Lake?
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.
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Geneva Prices
Switzerland PricesBalaton Lake Prices
Hungary Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGeneva $288Balaton Lake $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $288, while the average daily cost in Balaton Lake is $117. 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 Geneva and Balaton Lake in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGeneva $168Balaton Lake $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGeneva $336Balaton Lake $106
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Balaton Lake
Looking for a hotel in Geneva or Balaton Lake? 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: Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Geneva $11Balaton Lake $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Transfer from Geneva to Chamonix: $18
- From One-Way Transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine: $23
- Geneva Airport (GVA) Private Transfer to Geneva/Lausanne/Chamonix: $48
- Transfer from Geneva airport to hotel or home: $50
- VIP Transfer: $82
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $102
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $104
- Private Transfer from Geneva Cornavin station CFF to Hotels: $106
- Geneva hotel to Geneva Gare Cornavinof Station CFF Transfer: $106
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Balaton Lake?
Prices for flights to both Balaton Lake and Geneva 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 dayGeneva $105Balaton Lake $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $226
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $227
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Geneva $35Balaton Lake $23
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $18
- Guided Tour of Capital of Peace ( Outside ): $20
- 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
- Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $30
- Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour: $33
- International & Panoramic Tours Geneva: $33
- Scenic Lake Cruise with Snacks and Wine: $36
- (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $37
- Hop-on Hop-Off Bus & Scenic Mini-Train Tour: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGeneva $26Balaton Lake $9.70
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $263
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Balaton Lake, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Balaton Lake Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Geneva or Balaton Lake?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Balaton Lake, 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 Geneva or Balaton Lake?
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 Geneva or Balaton Lake in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Balaton Lake. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Geneva is generally around the same temperature as Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Balaton Lake this time of the year. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Balaton Lake during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Geneva usually receives around the same amount of rain as Balaton Lake. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGeneva 22°C (71°F)Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Balaton Lake in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Balaton Lake. Many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Geneva is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Balaton Lake. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 169 hours of full sun.
Geneva usually gets more rain in October than Balaton Lake. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGeneva 14°C (56°F)Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Balaton Lake in the Winter?
Both Balaton Lake and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Balaton Lake can be very cold. Geneva can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Geneva is much warmer than Balaton Lake. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 0°C (32°F).
Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Balaton Lake during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Geneva usually receives more rain than Balaton Lake. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGeneva 4°C (39°F)Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Balaton Lake in the Spring?
Both Balaton Lake and Geneva during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Geneva is generally around the same temperature as Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Balaton Lake. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 187 hours of full sun.
Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Balaton Lake. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGeneva 11°C (53°F)Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Balaton Lake and Geneva
| Geneva | Balaton Lake | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.