Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt?
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 Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt?
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.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is the financial and business hub of Germany. It houses the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange, and often plays host to trade shows and business fairs. It has the country's most modern skyline and the largest airport. It is also a transportation hub for Germany with many important train lines passing through. The city itself is situated on the River Main. Some of the most important sights are along the river near Romer Square and include museums and monuments. This area pulls in millions of tourists every year. Although many sights are clustered in this area, it's important to head into more off the beaten path areas that can be enjoyable to explore. These areas offer glimpses into daily life in Frankfurt.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.
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Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesFrankfurt Prices
Germany Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $86Frankfurt $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $86, while the average daily cost in Frankfurt is $178. 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 Frankfurt in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $44Frankfurt $68
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $88Frankfurt $136
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Frankfurt
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Frankfurt? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $9.26Frankfurt $29
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:
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Car Rental$59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt
Also for Frankfurt, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vienna: Private transfer Frankfurt to Vienna: $636
- Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $435
- Frankfurt Highlights Private Car Tour with Airport Transfers: $420
- Private transfer b/w Frankfurt to Heidelberg: $233
- Private Transfer from Frankfurt City to Stuttgart City: $223
- Private Transfer from Frankfurt airport to Heidelberg.: $199
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $124
- Private Airport Transfer : Frankfurt Airport to City Center: $93
- Arrival Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Van: $88
- Arrival Transfer: Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Luxury Van: $88
- Airport Transfer: Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Luxury Van: $88
- Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Frankfurt?
Prices for flights to both Frankfurt 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 $35Frankfurt $83
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 Frankfurt
For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Soda$2.35
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Bagel Sandwich and Latte$8.21
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Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee$7.04
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Sandwich and Cola$8.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt
For Frankfurt, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- VEGAN FOOD TOUR TO 3-4 LOCAL FOODSPOTS: $88
- Food Tour to 3-4 Local Food Spots: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $6.54Frankfurt $42
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 Frankfurt
For Frankfurt, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Limburg an der Lahn Private Walking Tour: $36
- 2-Hour Best of Frankfurt Walking Tour (English): $41
- Bike Tour of Frankfurt Top Attractions & Nature with a Guide : $227
- Culinary Frankfurt Walking Tour: $1,565
- Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $118
- Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $22
- Frankfurt - Mainz Premium Day Trip by Boat with Sightseeing & Wildlife, F&B: $118
- Frankfurt - Old Town Historic Walking Tour: $435
- Frankfurt - Private Shopping tour: $435
- Frankfurt : Highlights & hidden Gems Private Walking Tour: $106
- Frankfurt : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $56
- Frankfurt Airport Pickup and 1 Hour City Sightseeing Tour: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $9.26Frankfurt $35
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 Frankfurt
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:
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Becks Beer$2.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Frankfurt:
- Frankfurt am Main: Night Pub Crawl Shots and Party: $29
- Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $308
- Private pub crawl with insider-guide & free shots: $317
- Bachelor party Pub crawl & party for your bachelor party: $429
- Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $915
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Frankfurt, we can see that Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Frankfurt?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Frankfurt, 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.