A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zakynthos vs. Budva for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zakynthos or Budva?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zakynthos and Budva can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Zakynthos or Budva?

Zakynthos

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is a breathtaking island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're traveling on a budget, seeking scenic sights, engaging in activities, or savoring Greek cuisine, Zakynthos has it all. Exploring Zakynthos without breaking the bank is absolutely possible despite its generally high prices for hotels. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations, dine at local tavernas, and enjoy many of the island's attractions for free or at a low cost, such as on the numerous hiking trails with epic views. Also, utilize public buses or rent a scooter for economical travel around the island.

Budva

A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Zakynthos?

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 Zakynthos is €521, while the average daily cost in Budva is €113. 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 Zakynthos and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zakynthos 334
    Budva 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zakynthos 668
    Budva 74
Compare Hotels in Zakynthos and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Zakynthos or Budva? 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 Zakynthos


Hotels in Budva


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: Zakynthos Hotel Prices and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zakynthos 84
    Budva 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zakynthos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zakynthos:

  • Private Airport Transfer - Agios Sostis One Way Transfer: $34
  • Private Airport Transfer - Agios Sostis Return Transfer: $67
  • Private Airport Transfer - Alykes One Way Journey: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer - Argassi One Way : $28
  • Private Airport Transfer - Argassi Return Journey: $56
  • Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki One Way Transfer: $24
  • Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki Return Transfer: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer - Laganas One Way Transfer: $38
  • Private Airport Transfer - Vassillikos One Way Transfer: $47
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykanas - One Way Journey: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykanas- Return Journey: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykes- Return Journey: $90

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:


  • Daily Car Rental
    65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $46
  • AIRPORT TRANSFER Montenegro Budva Tivat Podgorica Kotor Perast: $68
  • Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $107
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $111
  • Kotor to Budva one way transfer: $111
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $131
  • Private transfer Tivat/Kotor/Budva-Podgorica: $149
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Zakynthos or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Zakynthos 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
    Zakynthos 126
    Budva 53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zakynthos

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

  • Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zakynthos 74
    Budva 22

Tours and Activities in Zakynthos

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

  • Go karting experience: $27
  • 3 Hours Marathonissi Island Tour, Keri Caves and Turtles Spotting: $30
  • Zante Water Village Admission Ticket: $30
  • Zakynthos West Coast Tour and Navagio Bay: $35
  • Zakynthos Half Day Tour and Cruise Turtle Island and Keri Caves: $36
  • Zakynthos boat tour:Shipwreck& Local blue caves with 3 Swim Stops: $36
  • Turtle Cruise of Marathonisi Island and Keri Peninsula: $41
  • Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach with Blue Caves Land and Sea Tour: $42
  • Zakynthos Bee Kingdom Experience: $43
  • Mizithres Sunset Cruise in Zakynthos: $45
  • Zakynthos Xigia, Navagio Shipwreck and Blue Caves Boat Tour: $51
  • VIP Full Day Tour Shipwreck Blue Caves and top view: $54

Tours and Activities in Budva

Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $19
  • Tour Cetinje, Lovćen & Mausoleum: $24
  • Kayak & Hike Experience on Sveti Nikola Island: $53
  • 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $53
  • Night Lights Kayaking Tour: $53
  • Budva Bay: Kayak & SUP Tour to Coastal Caves: $54
  • 2-Hour «Night Lights» Kayak Tour: $54
  • Small group kayaking tour from Budva to Sveti Nikola island caves: $60
  • Boka Bay: Kotor, Cave, Herceg Novi, & Lady of the Rocks Tour: $69
  • Full-Day Boka Bay Cruise Tour from Budva with Guide: $70
  • Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $72
  • Budva Diving - Scuba Diving Experience: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zakynthos 22
    Budva 14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zakynthos or Budva?

Zakynthos has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Zakynthos and Budva, 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.