Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Sofia?
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 Sofia or Berlin?
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 Sofia and Berlin. 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: Sofia or Berlin?
Sofia
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and also its largest city. Some people have tried to compare it to Budapest, but the cities are actually quite different. In Sofia you will find wonderful European style architecture intertwined with Communist style buildings. It's fascinating to see the two dramatically different building styles immediately next to each other. There are also many Orthodox Churches around town, with their beautiful domes and intricate details.
Berlin
Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.
With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.
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Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesBerlin Prices
Germany Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $86Berlin $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $86, while the average daily cost in Berlin is $205. 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 Sofia and Berlin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $44Berlin $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $88Berlin $150
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Berlin
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Berlin? 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: Sofia Hotel Prices and Berlin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $9.26Berlin $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia
Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bansko Transfer From/to Sofia Airport and Hotels: $286
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Kavala: $258
- Private Arrival Transfer from Sofia Airport to Bansko Ski Resort: $226
- Bucharest: Private Transfer to Sofia: $219
- Transfer from Sofia to Stara Zagora: $212
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Nis: $199
- Borovets Transfers from/to Sofia Airport: $179
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Pamporovo: $175
- River Rafting Adventure in Bulgaria (incl. transfer from Sofia): $171
- Private Transfer From Sofia to Bansko with Rila Monastery Visit: $143
- Private Departure Transfer from Bansko to Sofia Airport: $143
- Private Arrival Transfer from Sofia Airport to Plovdiv: $143
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:
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Short Trip Metro Ticket$1.64
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Bahn Ticket$3.52
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Short Taxi Ride$23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin
Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Berlin to Prague Private Transfer: $587
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin HTL-APT (SXF): $300
- Round Trip Private Transfer Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin by Business Car: $299
- Private Transfer, Berlin to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing, 8 pax: $299
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $293
- Private Transfer: Berlin to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg - Port/Harbor transport: $288
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Meissen Porcelain Manufactory stop: $286
- Private Transfer from Berlin to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $269
- Transfer from Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) to Berlin city Hotels - ROUND TRIP: $239
- Private Transfer from Berlin Hotels to Berlin Airport: $190
- Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City by Luxury Van: $165
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Berlin?
Prices for flights to both Berlin and Sofia 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 daySofia $35Berlin $105
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sofia
For Sofia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1980s Communism-Era Dinner with Local Host: $35
- Market Food Tour: $55
- Cooking Class in Sourdough Pancakes, Wine & Culture: $59
- Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $116
- Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $118
- Bulgarian Food tasting, cullinary-historical tour, Cooking class: $137
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show: $161
Typical Food Prices in Berlin
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:
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Sandwich and Coffee To Go$5.87
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Turkish Sandwich$2.35
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Currywurst$2.35
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2 Pho Noodles$11
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Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)$70
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Mauer Park (2)$13
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Coffees at Impala$9.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
- Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $39
- Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $53
- Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $84
- Berlin Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better : $85
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Dinner Experience: $88
- Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $92
- Street Food Tour with 10 Tastings: $93
- Berlin 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $93
- Vegetarian Berlin Food Tour Global Flavors in Alexanderplatz: $93
- True Berlin Street Food Tour – Global Flavors in Alexanderplatz: $98
- Berlin Street Food Tour by Bike: $102
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $6.54Berlin $26
Tours and Activities in Sofia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.
- 3-Hour Private Bulgarian Food Tasting Tour of Sofia: $92
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Day tour from Sofia: $125
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Small Group Day tour from Sofia: $101
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour: $52
- 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery day tour from Sofia: $123
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $70
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $69
- Afternoon Delights in Sofia Tour: $83
- All inclusive Belogradchik fort and Venetsa cave day tour: $93
- Archaeological tour-From the Neolithic to Modern times in Augusta Trayana: $118
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $46
- Boyana Church & Rila Monastery Full-Day Private Tour: $188
Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Berlin Zoo (2)$23
Tours and Activities in Berlin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.
- Berlin German Spy Museum Ticket & Digital City Tour: $55
- Private Berlin Rickshaw and guide most essensial (Guests Cruise): $179
- Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Bus Tour in English from Berlin: $72
- "Inside Berlin" East meets West - Food & Culture Tour: $216
- 1-Hour River Cruise with Tour Guide. Bilingual (Ger/Engl): $23
- 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $54
- 1-hour Sightseeing Boat Cruise Through Historic City Center: $26
- 2 Hours E-Scooter Tour: $66
- Albert Einstein in Berlin Private Guided Tour: $184
- All-in-One Berlin Highlights on Foot: Private Walking Tour: $210
- Alternative Berlin Bike Tour - Off the Beaten Tracks in Small Groups: $43
- Alternative tour of Berlin in Spanish: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $9.26Berlin $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Sofia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sofia:
- Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl: $24
- Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars: $24
- Wine and Tapas Boutique Bulgarian Wine Tasting : $29
- Wine and Tapas - Bulgarian's Wine Tasting Experience: $29
- Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia: $36
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $46
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $46
- Wine Tasting: Bulgarian Wine Grape Varieties: $48
- From Rozhen monastery and Melnik with wine tasting: $107
- Sofia – Kazanluk Rose Valley & Oil Distillery Tour: $115
- Plovdiv Old Town & Thracian Wine Tasting – Day Tour from Sofia: $137
- Plovdiv and Thracia Valley with Wine Tasting: $173
Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Show$16
Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin
Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Berlin Pub Crawl: $24
- Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $24
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Berlin Shots and Party: $30
- Beer hike in Berlin Experience brewery and craft beer: $66
- Showgirls of Burlesque Show: $76
- Culinary Journey and Wine Tasting in Kerstin's Wine Kitchen: $78
- New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl with Open Bar in Berlin: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Berlin, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Sofia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sofia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sofia 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin than you might in Sofia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sofia Expensive? and Is Berlin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Berlin?
Berlin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sofia. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Berlin, 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.