Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv or Paphos?
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 Paphos or Plovdiv?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Plovdiv, 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: Paphos or Plovdiv?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
Plovdiv
Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria.
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Paphos Prices
Cyprus PricesPlovdiv Prices
Bulgaria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos €125Plovdiv €89
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, while the average daily cost in Plovdiv is €89. 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 Paphos and Plovdiv in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos €48Plovdiv €41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos €96Plovdiv €82
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Plovdiv
Looking for a hotel in Paphos or Plovdiv? 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Plovdiv Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos €12Plovdiv €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Shared shuttle transfer from Hotels to Paphos Airport: $17
- Self drive boat hire Latchi + optional Paphos hotel transfers: $298
- Private Transfer from Paphos city hotels to Limassol Cruise Port: $58
- Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Paphos City: $51
- Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Limassol City: $101
- Private Paphos Airport Transfer via Vintage Mercedes: $179
- Private Airport Transfer from Hotel to Paphos Airport in a 4-seater taxi: $46
- Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $80
- Blue Lagoon Boat Cruise with Bus Transfer: $30
- Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
- Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Slide, Music & Hotel Transfer: $34
- Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv
Also for Plovdiv, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-way Transfer Plovdiv Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $70
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $107
- Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia: $107
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Borovets: $113
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $208
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Pamporovo: $98
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $113
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Plovdiv?
Prices for flights to both Plovdiv and Paphos 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 dayPaphos €65Plovdiv €34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $62
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $73
- Cyprus: Cooking Class-Mousaka, Tzatziki & Greek Salad: $88
- Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $226
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Paphos €12Plovdiv €14
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Blue Lagoon Adventure at Romantic Sunset from Paphos: $42
- 100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos) : $57
- Afternoon 2 hour tour to Adonis waterfalls only !!!: $70
- Akamas Jeep Safari Tour from Paphos: $80
- Akamas, Baths of Aphrodite and Blue Lagoon Day Tour from Paphos: $54
- Atlantis Turtle Watching Cruise & Snorkelling Adventure : $42
- Authentic Gourmet Tour with Wine and Food Tasting from Paphos: $65
- Baths of Aphrodite, Latchi and Blue Lagoon Cruise Tour: $46
- Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide From Paphos: $44
- Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide from Paphos: $48
- Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour : $30
- Blue Lagoon Mediterranean One Boat Cruise from Latchi: $21
Tours and Activities in Plovdiv
For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Plovdiv Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Old Town Guided Walking Tour & Audioguide & Museum: $18
- Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Audio Guide for All Haskovo & Kardjali Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $23
- Plovdiv guided walking tour: $23
- Plovdiv Walking Tour To Old Town And Ancient Roman Landmarks: $24
- Private Virtual Tour in Plovdiv with a Local Guide: $35
- Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $42
- Food Walk Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour: $42
- Audio Guide for All Rhodope Mountain Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $46
- Private Plovdiv Walking Tour: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos €9.98Plovdiv €8.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- Afternoon Tour to Agios Neophytos Monastery with Wine Tasting: $44
- Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $70
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $89
- Local Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $111
- Troodos Mountains Vino Venture: All Inclusive Full Day Wine Tour: $138
- Private Wine Tour with Tastings and Winery Visits: $762
Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:
- Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $23
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Plovdiv : $27
- Food and Wine Tour: $60
- Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $107
- Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $118
- Half-Day of Horseback Adventure with Wine Tasting: $183
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Plovdiv, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Plovdiv much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plovdiv would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plovdiv 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos than you might in Plovdiv.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paphos Expensive? and Is Plovdiv Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Plovdiv?
Plovdiv has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Plovdiv, 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.