Which place is cheaper, Naples 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 Naples?
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 Naples. 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 Naples?
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.
Naples
Naples is the most populous city in southern Italy. The city sits against the Bay of Naples, and is in close proximity to Mount Vesuvius, which is most famous for its eruption in 79 AD which destroyed the communities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Naples has a wonderfully sunny, Mediterranean climate, some great beaches, and beautiful architecture. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and because city officials have established strict building codes there is almost no condo style development along the coast. This helps Naples to maintain its authentic and historic atmosphere.
Many people love Naples for its history and authenticity, while others complain that it is noisy, crowded, and dirty. You can visibly see that the poverty in Southern Italy is higher than in the northern part of the country. Traffic is also chaotic, but what some travelers consider flaws, others see as benefits. Nobody can deny that Naples is truly an authentic Italian city. It has some of the country's best food and wine, the weather is ideal, and the prices are far cheaper than the northern regions. It has a large number of attractions in the form of museums and galleries, and there are some of the world's best ruins in nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.
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Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesNaples Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $86Naples $185
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $86, while the average daily cost in Naples is $185. 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 Naples in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $44Naples $77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $88Naples $154
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Naples
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Naples? 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 Naples Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $9.26Naples $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia
Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers in Sofia: $83
- Arrival Transfer: Sofia Airport SOF to Sofia in Luxury Car: $94
- Bansko Shuttle: Transfer from/to Sofia Airport: $107
- Bansko Transfer From/to Sofia Airport and Hotels: $286
- Borovets Transfers from/to Sofia Airport: $179
- Bucharest: Private Transfer to Sofia: $219
- Departure Transfer: Sofia to Sofia Airport SOF in Luxury Van: $82
- From Plovdiv Day Tour with Transfer: $78
- From Private Transfer for SPA to Sapareva Banya: $100
- From Rila Monastery & Melnik Day Trip with Transfers: $102
- Korali Hot Spring with Private Transfers: $65
- Private Arrival Transfer from Sofia Airport to Bansko Ski Resort: $226
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:
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Subway Ticket$1.41
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Alibus From Airport$3.52
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Short Taxi Ride$8.61
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Train to Pompeii$3.75
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Taxi$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:
- Private transfer to MATERA from NAPLES, SORRENTO or AMALFI COAST: $299
- Pompeii private small group tour - 4 hours including transfers: $299
- Private Transfer from Naples to Positano.: $299
- Private Transfer from Naples to Amalfi: $299
- Sorrento Private Transfer from to Naples Airport Train Station: $299
- Pompeii Tour from Naples with Private Transfer: $299
- Private transfer from Naples to the Amalfi Coast and Salerno: $299
- Naples Airport Train Station or Hotel to Massa Lubrense Private arrival Transfer: $299
- Private transfer from Naples Airport/Central Station to Positano: $287
- Private Transfer from Naples Central Station to Ravello: $287
- Private Transfer from Naples Airport to Sorrento: $287
- Transfer from Naples to Maiori or Maiori to Naples: $286
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Naples?
Prices for flights to both Naples 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 $35Naples $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 Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$33
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)$57
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Napoli Pizza$8.49
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Dinner$29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Naples.
- Naples Pizza Origins Exploration Game and Foodie Tour: $5.96
- Naples Street Eats : Authentic Walking Food Tour Experience: $45
- Naples Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $45
- Naples Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing with Local Expert: $45
- Authentic pizza making class with free pizza and limoncello : $48
- Tasty Naples Street Food Tour of MustEat Gourmet Specialties and MustSee Sites: $50
- Eating Naples Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $50
- Naples Street Food Tour: Discover Local Flavors with Expert Guide: $50
- Authentic Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert Guide : $50
- Eat and Visit Naples City Street Food Tour with Local Expert: $50
- Naples Pizza Class: Learn, Bake & Eat the Authentic Pizza Taste: $55
- Authentic Margherita Pizza Making Class in Naples: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $6.54Naples $35
Tours and Activities in Sofia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.
- Rila Monastery: Monastery & Museums Self-Guided Audio Tour 7 lang: $5.95
- Self-guided Tour in the Museum of Socialist Art: $8.57
- Sofia Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- City Monuments Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $12
- Guided Walking Tour of Sofia: $12
- Sofia’s Roots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Bulgarian Rose Aromatic Experience : $17
- Private Kayak Tour on the Pancharevo Lake: $18
- Walking tour: Communist architecture in downtown Sofia: $18
- City Highlights Sightseeing Walking Tour: $19
- Communist Walking Tour: $21
- Communist Walking Tour of Sofia: $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples
Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance$11
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Castelnuovo Museum Entrance$5.87
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Entrance to Pompeii$13
Tours and Activities in Naples
Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Naples Tour of Capri with Blue Grotto Included at 8.45: $233
- Pompeii and Vesuvius Day Trip from Naples with Skip The Line: $131
- Pompeii private tour: $161
- Positano & Sorrento Private Day Tour: $299
- Royal Palace of Caserta Private Tour for cruise ship : $179
- Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello Tour from Naples : $143
- Walking Tour of Herculaneum with Local Guide: $53
- (Ercolano) Herculaneum , Half Day Private Tour: $149
- 2-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour in Herculaneum: $66
- 2-hour Guided Tour of Ischia's Aragonese Castle: $54
- 4 Hours Vesuvius Volcano Tour: $84
- 6 Hours Naples City Centre and Underground Tour: $162
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $9.26Naples $25
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 Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:
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Beer$4.81
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Beer$4.69
Sample the Local Flavors in Naples
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:
- Napoli Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $18
- Vesuvius wine tasting with company tour: $35
- Visit to the Cellar and Wine Tasting on Astroni Crater: $48
- Regional food and wine tasting: $59
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting with Trivia Games, Napoli: $78
- Guided Wine Tour in Old Town Napoli: $100
- Naples by Night Food and Wine Tasting with Sightseeing Guided Tour: $106
- Scenic Wine Tasting & Lunch on the Slopes of Vesuvius from Naples: $108
- Wine Tasting - Tour and Tasting in Vesuvius Winemaker: $108
- Pompeii Tour, Lunch and Vesuvius Wine Tasting: $137
- Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour with Typical Lunch on the Slopes: $143
- Tour of Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii w/ Lunch & Wine tasting: $145
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Naples, we can see that Naples 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 Naples would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Naples 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 Naples Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Naples?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Naples, 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.