A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Geneva vs. Tihany for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Geneva or Tihany?

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 Tihany. 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 Tihany?

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.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Hungary, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany or Geneva?

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 Geneva is $288, while the average daily cost in Tihany is $63. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $168
    Tihany $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $336
    Tihany $42
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Geneva or Tihany? 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 Geneva


Hotels in Tihany


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 and Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $11
    Tihany $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Private transfer from Geneva airport (GVA) to Verbier (Minibus): $1,465
  • Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Interlaken.: $881
  • Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Zermatt.: $881
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport(GVA) to Serre Chevalier: $797
  • Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Verbier.: $764
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Neuchatel: $528
  • Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Montreux.: $458
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport(GVA) to Val Thorens: $449
  • Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Lausanne.: $317
  • Private 1-way Transfer from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Megeve: $305
  • Private 1-way Transfer from Megeve to Geneva Airport (GVA): $304
  • Chamonix: Private Transfer from Geneva with Wi-Fi and Water: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Geneva $105
    Tihany $35

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Geneva $35
    Tihany $5.35

Tours and Activities in Geneva

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

  • (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $201
  • (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $199
  • (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $37
  • Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $96
  • Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $477
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
  • Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $178
  • Best of Geneva City Tour with optional boat cruise: $74
  • Best of Geneva City Tour: International Area and Old Town: $73
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Chamonix Mont-Blanc & E-bike Tour: $258
  • Chamonix Mont-Blanc Full Day Guided Tour : $127

Tours and Activities in Tihany

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

  • Balaton: Sunset Safari & Solar Telescope Experience for Two: $36
  • Lake Balaton 3 hour SUP tour - self-guided: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Geneva $26
    Tihany $7.31

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 Tihany, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Tihany much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tihany would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tihany 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 Tihany.

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


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Tihany?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

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 Geneva or Tihany in the Summer?

Both Tihany and Geneva during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

In the summer, Geneva is around the same temperature as Tihany. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Tihany averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Tihany, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Geneva. In the summer, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in July than Tihany. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Geneva 22°C (71°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Tihany in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Tihany. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Geneva usually receives more rain than Tihany. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Geneva 14°C (56°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Tihany in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Tihany. Many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tihany can be very cold during winter. Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Geneva is much warmer than Tihany in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Tihany fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in January than Tihany. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Geneva 4°C (39°F) 
    Tihany -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Tihany in the Spring?

Both Tihany and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Geneva is around the same temperature as Tihany. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Tihany averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Tihany. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Geneva 11°C (53°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Geneva

Geneva Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)