A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zadar vs. Mostar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zadar or Mostar?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Zadar or Mostar?

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Luxury Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Zadar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is €110, while the average daily cost in Mostar is €83. 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 Zadar and Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zadar 51
    Mostar 34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zadar 102
    Mostar 68
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Mostar? 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.

Hotels in Zadar


Hotels in Mostar


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: Zadar Hotel Prices and Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zadar 9.53
    Mostar 8.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Modern bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Zadar: $40
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $55
  • Zrmanja River Kayaking, with optional transfer from Zadar: $66
  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $67
  • Private Transfer from Zadar City to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
  • Transfer From Zadar Airport to Town Zadar: $67
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $69
  • Private Transfers to Airports & Top Destinations: $72
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $74
  • Zadar Private Transfers to or from any location: $80
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Zadar City: $95

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • Airport transfer: Capljina - Mostar - Tuzla - Mostar - Capljina: $59
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $118
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Metkovic: $148
  • Private Transfer from Jablanica to Mostar Airport (OMO): $148
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Siroki brijeg: $149
  • Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $149
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Split, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $179
  • Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $190
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $206
  • Dubrovnik to Mostar Transfer with Kravice, Blagaj, Pocitelj: $211
  • Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $214
  • Split to Mostar Transfer with Kravice, Blagaj and Pocitelj: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar and Zadar 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 day
    Zadar 49
    Mostar 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
  • Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mostar.

  • Medieval 3 course Dinner with Drinks: $34
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $76
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar with Lunch and Drinks: $77
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in a Medieval Restaurant: $88
  • Cooking Class of Mostar: $179
  • Sarajevo Old Town Tour With Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $262

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zadar 19
    Mostar 8.78

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Local Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
  • Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Zadar Old Town Walking Tour: $18
  • Zadar Walking Tour sponsored by Gligora Cheese and deli.: $18
  • Look Around Zadar - Don't Look Up: Cinematic and Musical Sunset Walking Tour: $19
  • Islands Tour in Zadar by Speedboat: $23
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
  • Half Day Island Hopping Tour With Snorkeling : $24
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $24
  • 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
  • Island half day tour : $25

Tours and Activities in Mostar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mostar are as follows:

  • Mostar city Tour: $23
  • War Photo Exhibition Tour in Mostar: $25
  • Mostar Street Art & Graffiti Tour : $30
  • Pocitelj City Tour: $30
  • City Tour: Mostar Medival Town: $31
  • Mostar Street Art & Graffiti Tour: $35
  • Drežnica Canyoning Adventure Tour in Mostar: $38
  • Mostar thru history -private tour: $40
  • The Death of Yugoslavia: Unique thematic Tour in Mostar: $41
  • Neretva City Rafting Tour: $41
  • Mostar Private Walking Tour: $45
  • Safari kayak adventure w BBQ & Beer: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zadar 12
    Mostar 3.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
  • Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
  • City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
  • City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:

  • Afternoon Guided Tour and Wine Tasting: $18
  • Wine Tasting: $18
  • Mostar Sunset Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $18
  • Grand City Tour with Old Bridge Wine Tasting and Hub of Fine Arts: $83
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $119
  • One Day Mostar Wine Tasting Tour: $220


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zadar and Mostar, we can see that Zadar is more expensive. And not only is Mostar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mostar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mostar 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 Zadar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zadar than you might in Mostar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zadar Expensive? and Is Mostar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zadar or Mostar?

Mostar has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Mostar, 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.


When is the best time to visit Zadar or Mostar?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar in the Summer?

Both Mostar and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the summer, Zadar is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zadar in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Mostar averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Mostar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar during summer. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zadar usually receives less rain than Mostar. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zadar 26°C (80°F) 
    Mostar 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar in the Autumn?

Both Mostar and Zadar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Mostar. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 18°C (64°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the autumn, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Mostar. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun.

Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zadar usually gets less rain in October than Mostar. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zadar 18°C (64°F) 
    Mostar 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Mostar. Many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zadar is a little warmer than Mostar in the winter. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Mostar during winter. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Mostar receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zadar usually receives less rain than Mostar. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zadar 8°C (47°F) 
    Mostar 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Mostar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Mostar. Most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Zadar is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zadar in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Mostar averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In the spring, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Mostar. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mostar. Zadar usually gets less rain in April than Mostar. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zadar 15°C (59°F) 
    Mostar 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Mostar and Zadar

Zadar Mostar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)