Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv or Zakynthos?
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 Zakynthos or Plovdiv?
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 Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv?
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.
Plovdiv
Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.
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 Bulgaria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria.
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Zakynthos Prices
Greece PricesPlovdiv Prices
Bulgaria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZakynthos €521Plovdiv €89
The average daily cost (per person) in Zakynthos is €521, while the average daily cost in Plovdiv is €89. 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 Plovdiv in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZakynthos €334Plovdiv €41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZakynthos €668Plovdiv €82
Compare Hotels in Zakynthos and Plovdiv
Looking for a hotel in Zakynthos or Plovdiv? 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: Zakynthos Hotel Prices and Plovdiv Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zakynthos €84Plovdiv €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zakynthos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zakynthos:
- Zante Water Village Admission Ticket & Transfers Included: $41
- Zakynthos Sunset Cruise to Myzithres with Wine & transfer: $66
- Zakynthos Airport ZTH to Zakynthos - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $84
- Private Transfer from Zakynthos Cruise Port to City Hotels: $30
- Private Transfer from Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) to Zakynthos Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Lavrio Port to Athens City Center: $136
- Private Lavrio Port Transfer to Athens City Center: $191
- Private Airport Transfer Zakynthos Town - Return Journey: $53
- Private Airport Transfer Zakynthos Town - One Way Journey: $27
- Private Airport Transfer Xirocastello - One Way Journey: $33
- Private Airport Transfer Tsilivi/Planos - Return Journey: $75
- Private Airport Transfer Alykes- Return Journey: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv
Also for Plovdiv, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-way Transfer Plovdiv Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $70
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora: $95
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Pamporovo: $98
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $107
- Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia: $107
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $113
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Borovets: $113
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $208
Is it cheaper to fly into Zakynthos or Plovdiv?
Prices for flights to both Plovdiv 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
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Food Meals for one dayZakynthos €126Plovdiv €34
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zakynthos €74Plovdiv €14
Tours and Activities in Zakynthos
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zakynthos are as follows:
- 3 Hours Marathonissi Island Tour, Keri Caves and Turtles Spotting: $30
- 7 Hour Shared 4x4 Off Road Experience in Zakynthos: $131
- Ceramic Making Experience in Zakynthos: $59
- Corelli's Kefalonia Island Tour from Zante: $69
- Cruise to turtle's island and caves with a glass bottom boat: $299
- Discover the Zakynthos Past an Exclusive Tour: $54
- Exclusive Shipwreck & Blue caves Tour : Up to 10 guests: $60
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Kefalonia From Zakynthos: $130
- Go karting experience: $27
- Half Day Shipwreck Bay Guided Tour by Fast Boat: $115
- Mizithres Sunset Cruise and Turtle Spotting Boat Tour Zakynthos : $78
- Mizithres Sunset Cruise in Zakynthos: $45
Tours and Activities in Plovdiv
For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Plovdiv Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Old Town Guided Walking Tour & Audioguide & Museum: $18
- Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Audio Guide for All Haskovo & Kardjali Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $23
- Plovdiv guided walking tour: $23
- Plovdiv Walking Tour To Old Town And Ancient Roman Landmarks: $24
- Private Virtual Tour in Plovdiv with a Local Guide: $35
- Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $42
- Food Walk Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour: $42
- Audio Guide for All Rhodope Mountain Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $46
- Private Plovdiv Walking Tour: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZakynthos €22Plovdiv €8.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:
- Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $23
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Plovdiv : $27
- Food and Wine Tour: $60
- Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $107
- Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $118
- Half-Day of Horseback Adventure with Wine Tasting: $183
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zakynthos and Plovdiv, we can see that Zakynthos is more expensive. And not only is Plovdiv much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plovdiv would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zakynthos Expensive? and Is Plovdiv Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zakynthos or Plovdiv?
Plovdiv has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zakynthos. When comparing the sizes of Zakynthos and Plovdiv, 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.