Which place is cheaper, Faro 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 Faro?
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 Faro. 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 Faro?
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.
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesFaro Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $86Faro $187
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $86, while the average daily cost in Faro is $187. 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 Faro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $44Faro $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $88Faro $176
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Faro
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Faro? 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 Faro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $9.26Faro $11
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Porto City: $881
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilla: $329
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Praia da Luz: $229
- Private transfers between Faro and Almonte: $227
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Huelva: $220
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Quinta Falzina: $216
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Sagres: $216
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Islantilla: $207
- Airport Transfer from Faro to Sagres: $193
- Private transfers between Faro and Aljezur: $191
- Private transfers between Faro and Huelva: $191
- Private transfers between Faro and Bordeira: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Faro?
Prices for flights to both Faro 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 $35Faro $73
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 Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Faro food tour (with drinks) & city highlights - 10 tastings: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $6.54Faro $11
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 Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- Quad Biking Adventure Tour in Albufeira: $54
- 2 Hours Boat Tour Fishermen's Route in Ria Formosa: $30
- 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $30
- 2 Hours Kayak Island Tour in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa: $66
- 3-hour tour by Buggy or Quad in the Algarve: $105
- 5 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $48
- 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $60
- A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $221
- Algarve Day Tour Benagil Cave Seven Hanging Valleys: $74
- Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $66
- Algarve Uncovered: Coast, Culture, and Villages Tour: $9.55
- Amoreira River Kayak Tour: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $9.26Faro $3.67
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 Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- Tour & Wine tasting - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $23
- Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $30
- City Segway Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $106
- WINE TASTING & TAPAS IN THE HEART OF FARO: $115
- Portuguese Wine Tasting& Tapas in the heart of Faro: $117
- Jeep Tour - Tavira, Santa Luzia & Wine Tasting: $143
- Algarve Portugal Wine Tasting Activity with Pick Up: $191
- Algarve Private Wine Tour with Private Transportation: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Faro, we can see that Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro 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 Faro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Faro?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Faro, 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.