Which place is cheaper, Venice 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 Venice?
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 Venice. 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 Venice?
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.
Venice
The canals of Venice are one of the most popular and emulated destinations in the world. In it's hay day, Venice was at the center of politics, exploration, arts and architecture. Today that history is still very much alive and well. The city is unlike any other in the world. The best way to immerse yourself in Venice is to get yourself lost in the alleyways. It's actually quite easy to do and you'll find yourself stumbling into the most interesting places, hidden away from the crowds of Piazzo San Marco.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.
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Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesVenice Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $86Venice $324
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $86, while the average daily cost in Venice is $324. 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 Venice in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $44Venice $140
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $88Venice $280
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Venice
Looking for a hotel in Sofia or Venice? 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 Venice Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $9.26Venice $32
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 Venice
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
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Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass$19
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Vaporetto Ride$7.63
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1 Day Travel Card$21
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7 Day Transport Card (for Two)$118
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Budapest: Private transfer to Venice or Venice to Budapest: $637
- Treviso Airport (TSF) to Venice - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $299
- Venice Marco Polo Airport Private Arrival Transfer via Motorboat: $299
- Venice Marco Polo Airport Private Departure Transfer: $299
- Venice Airport (VCE) to Falcade - Arrival Private Transfer: $298
- Private arrival transfer from Venice airport to hotel in Venice city center: $294
- Marco Polo Airport(VCE)to Merano Resorts-Arrival Private Transfer: $293
- Venice Airport (VCE) to Cortina d'Ampezzo - Arrival Transfer : $290
- Venice Airport to Cortina d'Ampezzo Private Transfer Arrival: $290
- Private Transfer from Venice Airport to Chioggia Port: $275
- Venice Airport (VCE) to Pozza di Fassa - Arrival Private Transfer: $264
- Private transfer from Venice Marco Polo airport to Piazzale Roma : $263
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Venice?
Prices for flights to both Venice 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 $35Venice $131
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 Venice
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
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Panini Sandwich$4.69
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Gelato$7.04
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Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza$9.27
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Expresso$2.29
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Slice of Pizza$2.62
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)$93
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Venice with Set Lunch or Dinner: $39
- Eating Venice Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $53
- Small Group Venice Street Food Tour with Expert Local Guide: $57
- Secret Street Food Tour of Venice in 2,5 hours: $57
- Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $59
- Venetian Dinner: $74
- Tiramisu Cooking Class & Brunch in Venice – Make, Eat, and Enjoy!: $78
- Guided Small Group Kickstart Food Tour of Venice : $84
- Venice Evening Food Tour: Bites, Drinks & Sit-Down Dinner: $90
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $90
- Venetian Secrets 3 course Cooking Class and Unlimited Prosecco: $94
- Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Belluno: $102
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $6.54Venice $118
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 Venice
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Venice Boat Ride$18
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Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee$9.39
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Gondola Ride (for Group)$94
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Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace$19
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The Jewish Museum Admission$3.52
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The Glass Museum in Murano$9.39
Tours and Activities in Venice
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
- Murano & Burano Islands Tour with Glass-blowing Factory Visit: $47
- Peggy Guggenheim collection Venice private tour: $78
- Teatro La Fenice Guided Tour: $96
- Venice Doge's Palace Reserved Access Tour: $66
- Venice Rialto Walking Private Tour: $233
- Venice at sunset Private tour: $167
- Private 2-Hour Doge's Palace Tour: $255
- 2 Hour Venice Canal Kayak Tour - Premium experience by day: $131
- 4 hours Private Boat Tour to Murano, Burano with local real guide: $214
- 4-hour private tour in the Northern Lagoon with traditional boat: $247
- A Self-Guided Tour Around Venice's Castello District: $8.99
- A Venetian Aperitif on The Lagoon Private Tour: $143
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $9.26Venice $29
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 Venice
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
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1/2 Liter Wine$6.10
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Beer$5.75
Sample the Local Flavors in Venice
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
- Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $30
- Natural Wine Tasting in the heart of the Prosecco Hills: $33
- Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $43
- Venice Cicchetti, Spritz and Wine Tour with a Local Guide: $62
- Venice Wine Tasting and Contemporary Art: $78
- 2 Hour Cicchetti and Wine Tasting Tour in Venice: $78
- Natural wine tasting with a Bacaro owner in Venice: $105
- Rialto Market Food and Wine Tasting Guided Tour in Venice: $112
- Eat like a Local: Venice Cicchetti and Wine Tasting Evening Tour : $118
- A Venetian Evening - Wine Tasting & Cicchetti with a Local Guide: $130
- From Prosecco Full Experience with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $167
- Prosecco Wine Tour. Half-day. From Venice: $170
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Venice, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Venice?
Sofia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Sofia and Venice, 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.