Is Budapest Cheaper Than Prague?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a trip to Central Europe and wondering which city is more budget-friendly: Budapest or Prague? While both cities offer a rich cultural experience, they differ in terms of cost. In this article, we will compare the prices of accommodation, food, drinks, transportation, and attractions to help you decide which city suits your budget.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, both Budapest and Prague offer a range of options from hostels to luxury hotels. However, Budapest tends to be slightly cheaper than Prague.

In Budapest, you can find a decent hostel for as low as €8-€10 per night while in Prague the prices start from around €12-€15 per night. Similarly, hotels in Budapest are generally cheaper than those in Prague. You can find a three-star hotel in Budapest for around €40-€50 per night while in Prague it would cost you around €60-€70.

Food

Food is an essential part of any travel experience and luckily both cities offer delicious cuisine at affordable prices. However, again Budapest is known for being cheaper than Prague.

You can find local street food such as Langos (deep-fried dough) or Chimney cake (sweet pastry) for as low as €1-€2 in Budapest while in Prague the prices are slightly higher at around €2-€3. If you prefer dining at restaurants, you can expect to pay around €7-€10 for a meal in Budapest while in Prague it would cost you around €10-€15.

Drinks

Both cities are famous for their nightlife and offer an array of bars and clubs to choose from. However, when it comes to drinks, Budapest takes the lead with its affordable prices.

A pint of beer costs around €1-€1.5 in Budapest while in Prague the prices range from €1.5-€2. Similarly, a glass of wine costs around €2-€3 in Budapest while in Prague it would cost you around €3-€4.

Transportation

Getting around the cities is also an important factor to consider while budgeting for your trip. Both Budapest and Prague have an excellent public transportation system including buses, trams, and metros.

However, Budapest is cheaper than Prague when it comes to transportation costs. A single journey ticket in Budapest costs around €1 while in Prague it would cost you around €1.25-€1.5.

Attractions

Both cities offer a plethora of attractions such as museums, castles, and historical sites. However, the entrance fees for these attractions can vary significantly between the two cities.

In general, most attractions in Budapest are cheaper than those in Prague. For instance, the entrance fee for the Hungarian National Museum is around €4 while in Prague it would cost you around €8.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Budapest and Prague offer a unique travel experience but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination then Budapest might be your best bet. With cheaper accommodation, food, drinks, transportation and attractions it makes for an ideal destination for those seeking an affordable yet memorable trip to Central Europe.