Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Sofia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sofia or Genoa?
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 Genoa. 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 Genoa?
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.
Genoa
Located on the coast of northwest Italy, Genoa is a port city and capital of the Liguria region. With a long history as a rich and powerful trade center, Genoa's past of many centuries is still visible in its old port, stunning architecture, and charming alleyways. A traveler can spend days walking along seaside villas, admiring towering churches, and shopping the boutiques of the city. Genoa is also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, featuring what is thought to be his birth home and many other quaint abodes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.
-
Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesGenoa Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $86Genoa $221
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $86, while the average daily cost in Genoa is $221. 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 Genoa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $44Genoa $102
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $88Genoa $204
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Genoa
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Genoa? 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 Genoa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $9.26Genoa $9.90
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 Genoa
Also for Genoa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Arrival Private Transfer: $299
- Private transfer from Genova Airport to Portofino : $298
- Departure Private Transfer from Genoa to La Spezia by Car or Van: $278
- Private Transfer from Genoa hotels to Serravalle Designer Outlet: $252
- Private Transfer from Santa Margherita Cruise Port to Genoa city: $189
- Private Transfer from Santa Margherita Port to Genoa Airport GOA: $189
- Savona Port to Genoa Airport (GOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $165
- Genoa hotels to Savona Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $165
- Savona Cruise Port to Genoa Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $153
- Genoa Airport (GOA) to Portofino - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
- Private Transfer from/to Genoa to/from Portofino: $134
- Genoa Private one way Transfer from/to Airport to/from hotel: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Genoa?
Prices for flights to both Genoa 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 daySofia $35Genoa $106
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 Genoa
For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Genoa Street Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $59
- Traditional Food Tour with Drinks: $67
- Guided Food Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa: $69
- Guided Food Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa: $71
- Genoa Old town Food Tour: $80
- Genoese cooking lesson in the with lunch in the terrace: $82
- Itinerant dinner in the old town: $82
- Santa Margherita Ligure Food Tour Tastes of the Italian Riviera: $82
- Santa Margherita: Food Tour, flavors of the Ligurian Riviera: $93
- Santa Margherita Food Tour : flavours of the Ligurian Riviera: $96
- Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Genoa: $102
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $6.54Genoa $23
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 Genoa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.
- 1.5 Hour Food Guided Tour & Sightseeing in Genoa: $50
- 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa: $114
- Best of Private Walking Tour with Local: $107
- City Sightseeing Genoa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $30
- Discover Private Guided City Tour by Car: $222
- E-bike tour in Genova: $90
- Experience Savona With Local Professional Guide from Criuse Port: $225
- From Boat Tour to Portofino with Free Time to Explore: $30
- From Full-Day Tour of Genoa and Portofino: $104
- GENOA private tour: old port & historic center highlights: $397
- Genoa - Private Historic Walking Tour: $467
- Genoa : Highlights Private Bike Tour: $128
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $9.26Genoa $12
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 Genoa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:
- Easy Wine Tasting in Genoa City Center: $34
- Wine Tasting near the Aquarium of Genoa: $48
- Wine Tasting with Pesto, Focaccia Near Columbus House: $51
- Wine Tasting Near The Cruise: the best Italian wine: $57
- Wine Tasting in Genoa Near the Cruise: “the Best Italian Wine”: $59
- Genoa Food, Wine Tasting & History Walking Tour: $63
- Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $69
- Genoa Walnut Sauce Experience with Mortar and Wine Tasting: $93
- CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $161
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Genoa, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Genoa?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Genoa. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Genoa, 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.