Which place is cheaper, Budva or Marbella?
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 Marbella or Budva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Budva, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Marbella or Budva?
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Marbella Prices
Spain PricesBudva Prices
Montenegro Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €145Budva €113
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €145, 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 Marbella and Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Budva €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Budva €74
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Marbella 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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Budva €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $160
- Marbella to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $56
- Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $171
- Private Transfer from Las Chapas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
- Private Transfer from Torreblanca to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $258
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $120
- Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $100
- Vip One Way Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga City: $39
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Marbella: $112
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:
- Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $107
- Private transfer Tivat/Kotor/Budva-Podgorica: $149
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $111
- Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $46
- Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $168
- Kotor to Budva one way transfer: $111
- AIRPORT TRANSFER Montenegro Budva Tivat Podgorica Kotor Perast: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva and Marbella 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 dayMarbella €66Budva €53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flamenco Show & Dinner in Fuengirola/Mijas - Tipi Tapa Restaurant: $34
- Marbella Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $95
- Explore Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour: $105
- Marbella Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $106
- Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide: $106
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Budva €22
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Magic Blocks in Estepona: Quest Experience: $5.95
- The Magic Coins of Outdoor Escape Adventure: $7.15
- Tourist Bus Velez Malaga to Torre del Mar: $8.35
- Glorious Grazalema Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- City Highlights Tour: $18
- Sightseeing Walking Tour: $22
- City Highlights Tour: $24
- Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $26
- Marbella Guided Hiking and Foraging Adventure: $35
- Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- Manilva Oceanfront Wine Experience in the Marbella Area: $36
- Beachfront Yoga and Cava Experience: $41
Tours and Activities in Budva
Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Swimming and Boat Tour Trsteno Beach Budva: $179
- 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $19
- Adrenaline Speedboat Tours through the Bay of Kotor: $118
- Boka Bay: Kotor, Cave, Herceg Novi, & Lady of the Rocks Tour: $69
- Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $85
- Budva Bay: Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Sightseeing: $76
- Budva Bay: Kayak & SUP Tour to Coastal Caves: $54
- Budva Diving - Scuba Diving Experience: $74
- Budva old town private tour: $236
- 2-Hour «Night Lights» Kayak Tour: $54
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $53
- City Private Tour: $138
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Budva €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $816
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $1,110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Budva, we can see that Marbella 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Budva?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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.