How Much Does Budva Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Budva is the center of Montenegro's coastal tourism, offering a dramatic range of prices that fluctuate with the seasons. While it remains more affordable than high-end Mediterranean destinations like Dubrovnik or Saint-Tropez, costs in the Stari Grad and beach clubs can rise quickly during the peak summer months. A budget traveler can navigate the city on approximately $65 / €55 per day, whereas those seeking a luxury resort experience should prepare for daily expenses around $624 / €530. The destination is defined by its vibrant nightlife, medieval history, and stunning Adriatic beaches, where current prices for a sunbed set range from $24–$41 / €20–€35. Visiting during the shoulder months provides the best value, with temperatures hovering between 20–25°C (68–77°F) and significantly lower accommodation rates.
Is Budva expensive to visit?
Budva is moderately priced for the Adriatic coast, with daily budgets ranging from $65 / €55 for solo budget travelers to $624 / €530 for luxury stays.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Budva
$65
per person /day
$171
per person /day
$624
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $194 | $512 | $1,871 |
| 5-Day Trip | $324 | $853 | $3,119 |
| 7-Day Trip | $453 | $1,195 | $4,367 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to carry a 15% budget buffer to cover the mandatory municipality tourist tax and the seasonal price surges common at waterfront venues. This extra margin also helps with spontaneous boat transfers or the $6.47 / €5.5 entrance fee for the Budva Citadel walls.
How Does It Compare?
See how Budva stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Budva
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Standard price for a hearty lunch or budget dinner. | $15 €13 |
| Local Draft Beer (0.5L) Pint of Nikšićko beer. Prices can double at high-end beach clubs. | $4.12 €3.5 |
| Cappuccino Expect to pay ~$4.12+ / €3.5+ in the Old Town squares. | $2.94 €2.5 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Taxi Start Fee Official base fare for all licensed Budva taxis. | $1.18 €1 |
| Taxi Price per km (High Season) Standard rate during June–August; drops to ~$1.77 / €1.5 in winter. | $2.12 €1.8 |
| Intercity Bus: Budva to Kotor Frequent service taking ~30–45 minutes. | $4.71 €4 |
| Private Transfer: Tivat Airport to Budva Standard fixed rate for a private car; booking ahead is recommended. | $29 €25 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Merit Starlit Hotel & Residences - Double Room (Luxury) High-end luxury 5-star hotel rate. Price in USD as per source; approx. $348 / €296. | $319 €271 |
| Infinity Hotel & More - Double Room (Mid-Range) Mid-range hotel option. Approx. $88 / €75 per night. | $81 €68 |
| Freedom Hostel - Dorm Bed (Budget) Standard dormitory rate in a top-rated central hostel. | $24 €20 |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budva Citadel Entrance Fee Covers access to the fortress walls and the small maritime library. | $6.47 €5.5 |
| Museum of Budva Ticket Archaeological and ethnographic museum in the Old Town. | $3.53 €3 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| m:tel Tourist SIM (500GB) Excellent value for heavy data users. | $18 €15 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Sunbed and Parasol Rental (Mogren Beach) Prices peak at ~$24–$41 / €20–€35 per set in high season (July/August). | $24 €20 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Budva offers a mix of high-end seafood and affordable Balkan grills, with a standard meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing about $15 / €13. Local draft beer is priced at $4.12 / €3.5 for a 0.5L glass, though visitors should expect to pay $4.12 / €3.5 or more for a cappuccino in the popular Old Town squares.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Kuzina
$9.42–$18 / €8–€15Main Road Area · Local chain
Try the 'Pljeskavica' (Balkan burger) for a filling meal under $12 / €10.
Parma
$8.24–$14 / €7–€12Mainski put · Local chain
Popular with locals for affordable roast meats.
Pekara Radovic
$1.77–$5.89 / €1.5–€5Near Bus Station · Bakery
A 'Burek' (pastry) and yogurt is the ultimate budget breakfast for ~$2.94 / €2.5.
Forsage Gastro Lounge
$14–$29 / €12–€25Slovenska Beach · Local chain
Great value for a slightly more polished dining experience near the beach.
Zelena Pijaca
$5.89–$18 / €5–€15Near TQ Plaza · Street market
Buy local Njegusi prosciutto and cheese for a picnic.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the coast is most efficient via the local bus network, with a ticket from Budva to Kotor costing just $4.71 / €4. Licensed taxis are available with a $1.18 / €1 start fee and a high-season rate of $2.12 / €1.8 per km, while a pre-booked private transfer from Tivat Airport costs approximately $29 / €25.
Accommodation Overview
The lodging landscape scales from social hostels like Freedom Hostel at $24 / €20 per night to mid-range hotels like Infinity Hotel & More for $88 / €75. Luxury travelers can expect rates around $348 / €296 for high-end properties such as the Merit Starlit Hotel & Residences, particularly when booking near the waterfront.
Accommodation Budget in Budva
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Shop for fresh produce, local cheeses, and cured meats at Zelena Pijaca near TQ Plaza to avoid high restaurant markups.
- 2 Utilize the designated free zones on Mogren Beach to avoid the $24–$41 / €20–€35 sunbed and parasol rental fees.
- 3 Eat at Pekara Radovic near the bus station for affordable local pastries and burek, which serve as a filling budget meal.
- 4 Purchase an m:tel Tourist SIM for $18 / €15 to receive 500GB of data, providing better value than standard roaming packages.
- 5 Look for 'marenda' or daily lunch menus at restaurants like Kuzina or Parma for large portions at local prices.
- 6 Travel in May or September when weather is 20–25°C (68–77°F) and accommodation prices can be up to 50% lower than in July.
- 7 Walk the coastal promenade from Budva to Bečići through the pedestrian tunnel instead of taking a taxi.
- 8 Refill water bottles at the public fountains in the Stari Grad to save on the cost of bottled water.
- 9 Use the Mediteran Express bus for affordable transport between Budva, Bečići, and Sveti Stefan.
- 10 Pre-book boat transfers to Sveti Nikola Island from the main pier to secure a fixed price rather than negotiating with private operators.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug
+30-50%
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
-50-70%
May, Jun, Sep
Budva is highly seasonal. Accommodation in winter can be found for $29 / €25, whereas the same room in July costs $118 / €100. May and September offer the best weather ($24–$29 / €20–€25°C (68–77°F)) and moderate pricing.
Events to Watch
- ● High Season (July–August): +100% hotel spikes
- ● Budva Carnival (early June): +20% prices
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore the narrow medieval streets and marble squares of the Budva Stari Grad for free.
- 2 Walk the scenic cliffside path that connects the Old Town to Mogren Beach.
- 3 Hike to the viewpoint on the main road overlooking the iconic island of Sveti Stefan.
- 4 Visit the 'Ballerina' statue on the rocks for a classic photo of the Budva skyline.
- 5 Explore the peaceful grounds and admire the architecture of the Church of Saint Ivan.
- 6 Walk through the pedestrian tunnel to Bečići to see the colorful local murals.
- 7 Hike up to the Podmaine Monastery for panoramic views of the bay and a quiet atmosphere.
- 8 Relax on the public, non-rental sections of Slovenska Beach.
- 9 Stroll through the shaded olive groves and cedar forests of Miločer Park.
- 10 Visit the Rustovo Monastery in the hills above the coast for a glimpse into local religious life.
- 11 Window shop along the luxury marina where multi-million euro yachts are docked.
- 12 Watch the sunset from the heights of the hill near the Mogren Fortress ruins.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Private Speedboat Tour to the Blue Cave
Avoids the crowded tourist boats and allows for swimming in private coves. Saving ~$35 / €30 by booking as a group of 6.
Fine Dining at Aman Sveti Stefan (Island View)
The most iconic view in Montenegro; a sunset dinner here is unforgettable.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Budva
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Budva and what they cost
Kotor Old Town & Fortress
$9.42 / €8 by bus
$9.42 / €8
$41 / €35
Cetinje (Royal Capital)
$12 / €10 by bus
$5.89 / €5
$35 / €30
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants. Small cafes, market stalls, and beach sunbed vendors are strictly cash-only.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up is standard for cafes. In restaurants, a 10% tip (approx. $2.35–$5.89 / €2–€5) is expected for good service.
Avoid 'Euronet' ATMs due to high conversion fees (up to $5.89 / €5 per withdrawal). Use Prva Banka or NLB Banka for lower fees.
Connectivity
eSIM: $11–$18 for 10GB (7-15 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $18 / €15 at the airport or newsstands for massive data packages.
WiFi: Excellent in cafes and hotels; many beach clubs provide it with a drink purchase.
The m:tel Tourist SIM ($18 / €15 for 500GB) is the best value in Europe, not just Montenegro.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Budva.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit Budva?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Budva expensive to visit?
How much does Budva cost per day?
How much does a trip to Budva cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit Budva?
What are the hidden costs in Budva?
How can I save money in Budva?
More Budva Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown