A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sofia vs. Cesky Krumlov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sofia or Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov. 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 Cesky Krumlov?

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.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague.


Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov or Sofia?

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 Sofia is $86, while the average daily cost in Cesky Krumlov 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 Sofia and Cesky Krumlov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sofia $44
    Cesky Krumlov $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sofia $88
    Cesky Krumlov $84
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Cesky Krumlov

Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Cesky Krumlov? 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 Sofia


Hotels in Cesky Krumlov


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 Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sofia $9.26
    Cesky Krumlov $3.37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Sofia HTL-APT (SOF): $48
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Sofia APT-HTL (SOF): $48
  • Transfer from the Sofia Airport to your hotel in Sofia by VIP Mercedes V class: $71
  • Transfer from Sofia to Stara Zagora: $212
  • Transfer from Sofia airport to hotel in Sofia OR vice versa: $21
  • Transfer Sofia Airport/city to Plovdiv with a sedan 3+1: $113
  • Private Airport Transfer to Sofia City Center: $41
  • Sofia City Private Transfer to Sofia Airport SOF in Business Car: $58
  • Sofia Airport to Borovets Shared Transfer (Max 90 Min Wait): $28
  • Sofia Airport SOF Private Transfer to Sofia City in Business Car: $58
  • Sofia Airport (LBSF): One-Way Transfer to/from Borovets: $104
  • River Rafting Adventure in Bulgaria (incl. transfer from Sofia): $171

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cesky Krumlov

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

  • Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $171
  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $167
  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt with 2 hours for sightseeing: $161

Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Cesky Krumlov?

Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sofia $35
    Cesky Krumlov $43

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cesky Krumlov

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

  • 3h Who is Czech Jezisek? All-in Xmas Tour with Festive Dinner: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sofia $6.54
    Cesky Krumlov $7.52

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

Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov

For Cesky Krumlov, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3h Jewish Tour: Synagogue Interior, Castle, Gingerbread & Snaps: $154
  • 3h Royal Castle Tour: Interior, Garden Pralines, Coffee & Dessert: $154
  • 5h All-in SUMMER Tour River Cruise, Castle, Lunch & Treats: $224
  • A day in the life of Český Krumlov - Private tour with a local: $214
  • Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $101
  • Cesky Krumlov Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $258
  • Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51
  • City tour in Krumau - 1,5 h with German-speaking guide: $190
  • City tour in Krumau - 3 hours with German-speaking guide: $232
  • Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $93
  • Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $83
  • Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $183

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sofia $9.26
    Cesky Krumlov $3.87

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Cesky Krumlov

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cesky Krumlov:

  • 3h Krumlov Beer Tour: Brewery Excursion, Pubs, Beer & Food: $154


When comparing the travel costs between Sofia and Cesky Krumlov, we can see that Cesky Krumlov 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 Sofia Expensive? and Is Cesky Krumlov Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sofia or Cesky Krumlov?

Sofia has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Cesky Krumlov, 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.