A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Podgorica vs. Dubrovnik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Podgorica or Dubrovnik, 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: Podgorica or Dubrovnik?

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Podgorica?

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 Podgorica is €134, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is €121. 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 Podgorica and Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Podgorica 46
    Dubrovnik 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Podgorica 92
    Dubrovnik 100
Compare Hotels in Podgorica and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Podgorica or Dubrovnik? 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 Podgorica


Hotels in Dubrovnik


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: Podgorica Hotel Prices and Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Podgorica 20
    Dubrovnik 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • TAXI TRANSFER PODGORICA to TIRANA: $262
  • Podgorica Airport Transfer to Kotor: $227
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $221
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat Airport (TIV): $210
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $177
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $161
  • Private transfer from Airport Podgorica and city to Kotor: $147
  • Montenegro: Podgorica Airport to Kotor One-Way Transfer: $138
  • Private transfer from Podgorica to Ostrog monastery (minivan): $128
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Budva: $125
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $119
  • Montenegro: Podgorica Airport to Budva One-Way Transfer: $99

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    1.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shared Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $18
  • Lokrum Island Transfer with Panoramic Cruise from Dubrovnik: $18
  • Koločep Island Boat Transfer: $23
  • Sveti Jakov Beach Boat Transfer: $23
  • Lopud Island Boat Transfer: $23
  • Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $27
  • Convenient Bus Transfer from/to Split: $29
  • Private return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $30
  • From Dubrovnik Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $30
  • Dubrovnik Luxury Airport Transfers: $32
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $34
  • Private AirPort Transfer Dubrovnik by CRUISER TAXI: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Podgorica or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik and Podgorica 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
    Podgorica 70
    Dubrovnik 57

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $82
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m above ground: $101
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $114
  • Secret Food Tours in Dubrovnik: $118
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $143
  • Old Town Food Tour: $157
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $167
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $226
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $234
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $246
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $279
  • Dubrovnik Scenic Tour & Lunch/Dinner at Country Estate: $410

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Podgorica 21
    Dubrovnik 19

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

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

  • Skip the Line Tickets: National Park Biogradska Gora: $8.35
  • 2 Hours Guided - Group Nature Tour (taste local wine on tour): $18
  • ALBANIA tour - Rozafa, Skadar lake, Niagara waterfalls, Shkodra: $143
  • ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $214
  • Bay of Kotor hiking experience - Montenegro Travel Club private tour: $203
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $39
  • Durmitor - Black Lake & Tara River Canyon - North Montenegro tour: $245
  • Durmitor National Park, Northern Fairy Tail -private tour from Podgorica: $219
  • Durmitor mountain - Glacial lakes - Montenegro hiking tours: $227
  • Explore Skadar Lake in Private 2 hour Boat Cruise: $119
  • Family Adventures in A Journey of Discovery: $115
  • Fantastic ATV Quad Adventure in mountain ofKolašin : $118

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

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

  • Time Traveler’s Trail: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in Dubrovnik: $5.97
  • Cavtat Old Town: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.97
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.68
  • Dubrovnik Game Of Thrones self-guided tour with mobile app: $7.51
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $9.36
  • Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $9.56
  • Love Stories Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Red History Museum Regular Ticket: $11
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $12
  • Walls of Liberty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Dubrovnik: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Podgorica 20
    Dubrovnik 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Skadar Lake Private Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $54
  • Pub Crawl with Welcome Shots: $70
  • E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting & Waterfalls: $81
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $100
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $106
  • Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $116
  • Wine tour- Family winery visit, food tasting & Skadar Lake boat cruise: $177
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $179
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $233
  • SOUL HEALING Wine Tour Montenegro - BEST PRIVATE TOUR : $233
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $325

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting : $42
  • Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
  • Sunset and Wine / Dubrovnik Sunset Tour and Premium Wine Tasting : $59
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
  • Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $74
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Xperience: $80
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $82
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tour - Get to know local grapes: $84
  • Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $84
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $88
  • Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $92


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


Which is Bigger, Podgorica or Dubrovnik?

Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Podgorica and Dubrovnik, 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 Podgorica or Dubrovnik?

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 Podgorica or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Podgorica as well as Dubrovnik. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Podgorica is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Podgorica average around 26°C (80°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Podgorica usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Podgorica gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Podgorica are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Podgorica is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Podgorica averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Podgorica. In October, Podgorica usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dubrovnik. Podgorica gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and Podgorica during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the winter, Podgorica is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Podgorica in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. Podgorica usually gets more rain in January than Dubrovnik. Podgorica gets 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Podgorica or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Podgorica and Dubrovnik. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Podgorica is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Podgorica average around 14°C (58°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Podgorica usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Podgorica gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Podgorica

Podgorica Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)