A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hvar vs. Budva for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hvar or Budva?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hvar and Budva can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Hvar or Budva?

Hvar

Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.

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 in Croatia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Hvar?

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 Hvar is €131, 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 Hvar and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hvar 38
    Budva 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hvar 76
    Budva 74
Compare Hotels in Hvar and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Hvar 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.

Hotels in Hvar


Hotels in Budva


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: Hvar Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hvar 47
    Budva 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik with Korčula Stopover: $3,394
  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $585

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:


  • Daily Car Rental
    65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $46
  • AIRPORT TRANSFER Montenegro Budva Tivat Podgorica Kotor Perast: $68
  • Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $107
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $111
  • Kotor to Budva one way transfer: $111
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $131
  • Private transfer Tivat/Kotor/Budva-Podgorica: $149
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Hvar or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Hvar 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
    Hvar 66
    Budva 53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.

  • Traditional Hvar Cooking Classes, Dinners & 'Poje' Field Tour!: $167
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $205
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $208
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner/Lunch: $256
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $298

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hvar 7.51
    Budva 22

Tours and Activities in Hvar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:

  • 50 Shades of Blue: Blue Cave & 5 Islands Boat Tour from Hvar: $12
  • Local Delicacies Tasting Experience in Hvar Town: $24
  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $24
  • Private Multi-Activity Experience in Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa: $27
  • Stand Up Paddle school - learn to SUP and make your first SUP tour: $30
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $32
  • Timeless Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $41
  • Pakleni Islands Self-Guided Kayaking Tour: $53
  • Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands: $54
  • Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht: $68
  • Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands Boat Tour with Swim: $70
  • Hvar Island Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $70

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hvar 9.21
    Budva 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Hvar

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

  • Wine Tasting Round Trip from Hvar - Family Winery at a Hilltop: $93
  • Hvar Island E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting and Starters: $115
  • Private Hvar Island Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $117
  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $129
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $173
  • Private Best Beaches Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $1,001


When comparing the travel costs between Hvar and Budva, we can see that Hvar 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 Hvar Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hvar or Budva?

Budva has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Hvar 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.