Which place is cheaper, London 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 London?
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 London. 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 London?
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.
London
The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.
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 United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.
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Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesLondon Prices
UK Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $86London $295
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $86, while the average daily cost in London is $295. 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 London in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $44London $171
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $88London $342
Compare Hotels in Sofia and London
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or London? 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 London Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $9.26London $35
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 London
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:
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Taxi Ride$20
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Heathrow Express$25
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Luggage Storage$11
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London Map$1.76
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Oyster Card$49
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Train to Gatwick Airport (2)$29
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Oyster Card$37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in London
Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $815
- Southampton: LHR to Southampton Executive SUV Transfer: $701
- Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port: $620
- Private Transfer From Southampton Cruise Terminal to London: $606
- Private Transfer Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal: $606
- Airport - hotel - airport transfers for Heathrow groups.: $532
- Cambridge: LHR to Cambridge Executive SUV Transfer: $525
- Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $507
- Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $489
- London Hotels and Airports: Private Transfer to Southampton: $472
- Heathrow to Southampton Private Cruise Transfer Luxury MPV: $472
- Southampton To London Heathrow Airport Transfers: $472
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or London?
Prices for flights to both London 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 $35London $81
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 London
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:
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Lunch at Starbucks$18
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Tea$8.18
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Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason$53
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Morning Tea$8.66
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Pastry$6.82
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Sushi Dinner for One$25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London
For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Borough Market Food Tour - Self Guided: $7.00
- Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $41
- Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $41
- Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $43
- Pizza and Beer Bus Experience: $67
- Pizza Express Dinner and Comedy Show Experience in Covent Garden: $75
- International Stand Up Show & Monmouth K. Dinner in Covent Garden: $89
- International Stand Up Show & Flesh & Buns Dinner, Covent Garden: $89
- Authentic Japanese Cooking Class in North London Home : $94
- Borough Market Christmas Food Tour with Tea and Doughnuts: $96
- Tea and Doughnuts: Small-Group Borough Market Walking Food Tour : $96
- Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $6.54London $44
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 London
For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Two Tickets to a Concert$113
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London Symphony Orchestra$47
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London Pass$64
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Comedy Show$11
Tours and Activities in London
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.
- Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London: $22
- Courtauld Gallery London Private Guided Tour 2 Hour: $267
- Greenwich, Real-world Adventure Game: $21
- London King's Cross Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited: $30
- London Natural Marvels Museum Expedition Tour: $209
- Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $40
- Rock 'n' Roll Soho - a Walking Tour: $29
- Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $40
- The Kinks Private Walking Tour of North Finchley: $260
- 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $32
- 1 Hour Guided AI Walking Tour from Big Ben London in Any Language: $31
- 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $9.26London $21
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 London
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:
- London Pub Crawl: $29
- Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London: $34
- London Calling Pub Crawl Shots Pints Pubs & Good Times: $34
- The Great East London Pub Crawl!: $34
- Camden Pub Crawl in London: $34
- Pub Crawl of Central London: $35
- Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
- Potter Pub Tour for Muggles: London: $44
- Beer Babe Bar Crawl in London: $52
- Historic London Pub Tour: $55
- London Soho Rock and Roll Pub Tour with Guide: $65
- East End Craft Brewery Tour: $67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and London, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or London?
London has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sofia. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and London, 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.