Hungary’s Lake Balaton more expensive than the Croatian or the Italian seaside?
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Planning your 2025 summer getaway but can’t decide between Lake Balaton, Croatia, or Italy? Here’s a look at how much a one-week holiday will cost at home and abroad.
Domestic or international?
As Szeretlek Magyarország reports, when it comes to planning a holiday, many people immediately ask: why stay local when I can enjoy the seaside abroad for the same price—or even less? It’s true that in recent years, many have opted for Croatia or Italy for precisely this reason, as accommodation, dining, and activities often cost roughly the same as a trip to Lake Balaton. But in 2025, it’s worth doing the maths: do we really get more value for our money abroad?
Lake Balaton
At Lake Balaton, a one-week getaway for a family of four in a mid-range apartment starts at around 300,000 to 350,000 forints (EUR 751.48 to 876.72). If you’re seeking a modern, waterfront property, expect to pay closer to 400,000 forints. For luxury accommodation—such as four-star hotels offering full board and wellness services—costs can climb to between 1.5 and 2 million forints (EUR 3757.39 and 5009.86).
And that’s before factoring in Lake Balaton beach entry fees, meals, and various activities, all of which can significantly increase the total cost. All in all, a holiday at Lake Balaton could come to approximately 650,000 to 700,000 forints (EUR 1628.20 to 1753.45).
Croatia
Croatia remains a top holiday destination, especially the island of Vir, which is particularly popular among Hungarian travellers. Costs here are comparable to those at Balaton: a seaside apartment typically ranges from 400,000 to 450,000 forints (EUR 1001.97 to 1127.22).
One major perk is that most Croatian beaches are free—so that’s a cost you can avoid. However, dining tends to be slightly more expensive than in Hungary, with a restaurant lunch for a family costing between 15,000 and 25,000 forints (EUR 37.57 and 62.62). Ice cream isn’t any cheaper than at Balaton, either. Grocery prices are fairly similar, but travel expenses—including fuel and tolls—can add up to 200,000 to 250,000 forints.
