Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Lesbos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lesbos or Bucharest?
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 Lesbos and Bucharest. 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: Lesbos or Bucharest?
Lesbos
Lesbos, the third-largest Greek island, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Greek culture. Visiting Lesbos doesn't have to break the bank. Budget accommodations can be found for as low as €25-40 per night in the off-season and €40-60 during peak months. For affordable meals, seek out local tavernas away from tourist hotspots. The villages of Petra and Molyvos offer authentic dining experiences at reasonable prices, and many tavernas provide daily specials ("mezedes") that are both delicious and economical.
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.
-
Lesbos Prices
Greece PricesBucharest Prices
Romania Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLesbos €276Bucharest €165
The average daily cost (per person) in Lesbos is €276, while the average daily cost in Bucharest is €165. 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 Lesbos and Bucharest in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLesbos €117Bucharest €58
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLesbos €234Bucharest €116
Compare Hotels in Lesbos and Bucharest
Looking for a hotel in Lesbos or Bucharest? 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: Lesbos Hotel Prices and Bucharest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lesbos €61Bucharest €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest Private Transfer Service for Individuals/Small Groups: $35
- Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $48
- Airport Transfer -One way Bucharest Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport : $27
- Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Luxury Car: $112
- Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Luxury Van: $72
- Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $48
- Airport transfer Otopeni to Bucharest : $63
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Business Car: $58
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Luxury Van: $72
- Arrival Transfer: Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov by Luxury Van: $178
- Bucharest Airport OTP Private Transfer to Bucharest Center: $35
- Bucharest Airport Transfer – Private Mercedes V Class: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Lesbos or Bucharest?
Prices for flights to both Bucharest and Lesbos 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 dayLesbos €119Bucharest €92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism & tour after closing: $58
- Eat Like a Local: Food Tour in Bucharest Obor Market: $89
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $94
- Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $107
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $118
- Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $137
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lesbos €37Bucharest €13
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bucharest 1989 Revolution GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $6.91
- Bucharest Beyond the Boulevards: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Interbelic Bucharest GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $8.32
- Bucharest Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Jewish Bucharest GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $9.53
- Alternative Bucharest Walking Tour: $12
- Bucharest Essential Tour: Old Town, Calea Victoriei & Communism: $16
- Bucharest Old Centre Tour: $17
- Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $21
- Walking Tour- Delightful Bucharest (Highlights, Stories, Sights): $23
- Dracula's Castle, Brasov and Peles Full-Day Tour from Bucharest: $23
- Walking tour of Bucharest: $24
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLesbos €23Bucharest €8.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Bucharest Pub Crawl: $36
- Bar Crawling: $48
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $59
- Bucharest Private Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $62
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $69
- Private Wine Tasting at Bucharest's First Wine Bar: $106
- Romanian Wine Tasting: $106
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Salt Mine Exploration and Wine Tasting : $113
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Salt Mine in Prahova and Wine Tasting: $113
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Wine Tasting and Salt Mine experience: $113
- Sip & Stroll: Wine Tasting and History Private Tour of Bucharest: $125
- Vineyards and wine tasting experience: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lesbos and Bucharest, we can see that Lesbos is more expensive. And not only is Bucharest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bucharest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bucharest 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 Lesbos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lesbos than you might in Bucharest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lesbos Expensive? and Is Bucharest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lesbos or Bucharest?
Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 1090 times larger than the population of Lesbos. When comparing the sizes of Lesbos and Bucharest, 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.