Is Slovenia Expensive? 9-Day Travel Cost Guide

Is Slovenia expensive? The brief response of Low Cost Vibes is as follows: not really, particularly in comparison to Western Europe. Having taken a million travellers there, we have determined that Slovenia is in that happy place, with the beautiful lakes, the dramatic mountains, and the sweet medieval towns, but at a fraction of the cost of what Italy, Austria, or Switzerland offer. A beer costs £2.50. Decent meals run £8-12. Hotels that would cost 150 in other countries? 60-80 in this country.

You will have 9 days in Slovenia; this will be enough to visit Lake Bled, Ljubljana, the coast and perhaps some caves without haste. When you think about Slovenia holidays or even compare it to other destinations, it is wise to know the actual expenditures to budget accordingly. This guide will be an eye-opener of what it really costs, where the money goes and how booking with Low Cost Vibes will put extra cash in your pocket through these exclusive deals.

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Is Slovenia Expensive? Daily Costs and Travel Budget

When tourists post queries such as ‘Is Slovenia expensive?’, ask them to get specific figures that are based on the prevailing prices and the actual experiences of the real travellers:

Budget Travel (£40-60 per day):

Accommodation: £15-25 (hostel dormitories or low-end guesthouses)
Food: 15-20 (supermarket food, street food, restaurant occasionally)
Transport: £5-10 (intercity transport, local transport)
Activities: £5-10 (free hiking, paid entry not often)

Mid-Range Travel (£80-120 per day):

Accommodation: £40-60 (guest house or 3-star hotel, private room)
Food: £25-35 (combination of supermarket and restaurants, coffee shops)
Transport: £10-15 (renting a car or taking comfortable trains/buses)
Activities: £10-15 (cave tours, castle visits, boat rides)

Comfortable Travel (£150+ per day):

Accommodation: 80-120 (good hotels, lakeside houses)
Food: £40-60 (most meals in restaurants, dinner wine)
Transport: £20-30 (renting a car by yourself, taxis when needed)
Activities: £20-30 (all the tours and experiences)

These figures demonstrate that Slovenia is expensive and relies solely on your mode of travel. However, the cost of travelling is cheaper here than in most countries in Western Europe.

Examples of costs in Slovenia: 9-day itinerary

We (Low Cost Vibes) assist travellers in planning down-to-earth 9-day trips. The actual levels of the budget look like this:

Budget Backpacker (9 days):

Flights: £80-150 (budget airline from UK)
Accommodation: £135-225 (9 nights hostels)
Food: £135-180 (mostly self-catered)
Transport: £45-90 (buses only)
Activities: £45-90 (selectively paid entries)
Total: £440-735

Mid-Range Traveller (9 days):

Flights: £120-200 (our Low Cost Vibes package deal)
Accommodation: 360-540 (Budget Hotels 9 Nights)
Food: 225-315 (restaurants and part cooking)
Transport: £90-135 (rental car divided in two)
Activities: £90-135 (the majority of attractions are inclusive)
Total: £885-1,325

Comfortable Trip (9 days):

Flights: £150-250
Accommodation: 720-1080 (9 nights nice hotels)
Food: £360-540 (dining out regularly)
Transport: £180-270 (rental car solo)
Activities: £180-270 (whatever you desire)
Total: £1,590-2,410

Therefore, when one asks whether Slovenia is expensive, these totals demonstrate that it is extremely affordable. A relaxing 9-day tour is cheaper than a budget week in most of the destinations in Western Europe.

Where Your Money Goes

An enchanting aerial view of Ljubljana, Slovenia, at dusk in winter, showcasing the snow-covered rooftops of the charming old town illuminated by warm streetlights. Ljubljana Castle stands majestically atop a snow-dusted hill, glowing with an inviting light, while festive decorations twinkle throughout the city below. The sky transitions from a soft blue to a faint orange on the horizon. This magical winter scene prompts the question, is Slovenia expensive to visit during the holidays?

Accommodation Reality

The accommodation is absurd in Slovenia. Hostels in Ljubljana are around 12-20 in dorms and 30-50 in a single room at the guesthouses. Prices at Lake Bled are higher in the high season (July-August), but shoulder rates are reduced by 30-40%. Our accommodation packages at Low Cost Vibes include several stays at a reduced price, which you cannot make an arrangement elsewhere.

Food and Drink Costs

Prices are great in supermarkets such as Mercator and Hofer. A week of breakfast products costs between £15-20. Prices of restaurant meals vary between £8-12 in the low-end restaurants and cafes and up to 20-30 in the higher-end restaurants. Beer in bars runs £2.50-4, coffee £1.50-2.50. This is in contrast with the refreshingly cheap beers in Austria or Switzerland – Slovenia is cheap. Street food such as burek only costs between £2-3 and it fills you up well.

Transport Within Slovenia

Buses are also affordable between big destinations. Ljubljana to Bled costs between £6-8, Ljubljana to Piran costs around £12. The trains and buses are more extensive. Rentals charge between £25-40 per day based on the time of the year and time of booking. Petrol’s around £1.20-1.40 per litre. Owning a car is not a necessity, as it is possible to cover smaller villages and visit Triglav National Park with ease; however, it would be advisable to do so, as long as you are going to the primary tourist destinations.

Activity Costs

Ljubljana Castle entry: £10. Postojna Cave tour: £24. Predjama Castle: £13. Lake Bled Castle: £11. Vintgar Gorge: £8. However, there is one thing about Slovenia: only gorgeous nature is free. Triglav National Park Hiking? Free. Walking around Lake Bled? Free. Excursion to the old town of Ljubljana? Free. The answer to the question is no, Slovenia is not expensive, when you find that the best ones are free.

Money-Saving Strategies

Two young women wearing helmets are riding electric scooters down a tree-lined street in a city, with their backs to the viewer. A blue bus is visible in the background, along with other pedestrians and cyclists, suggesting a bustling urban environment. The buildings along the street have a modern appearance, and bicycles are parked on the right side. Considering that scooter rentals can be costly, and that buses manage transportation to places like Ljubljana, Bled, and coastal towns at a fraction of the price, one might wonder: is Slovenia expensive if relying on such rentals, or is public transport a more budget-friendly option?

In Slovenia, we have recognised what is actually cost-saving at Low Cost Vibes:

Book Our Package Deals

Our Slovenia packages offer flights and hotel prices up to 15- 20% lower than individual flight and hotel bookings. That would be an average of 9 days of saving £120-200. This is the reason why we have negotiated partnerships with Slovenian hotels and guesthouses. Even the answer to the question is that Slovenia is expensive.

Travel Shoulder Season

The weather is ideal in the months of May-June and September-October without the crowds and prices of July-August. Accommodation is 25-40% cheaper, attractions are not so crowded, and there are even 20°C+ temperatures. We assist Low Cost Vibes travellers to spend as much time as possible on time trips. And for up-to-date weather forecasts to help plan your trip, check the ARSO website.

Cook Some Meals

Cooking only breakfast and cooking some dinners only for at least 9 days will save £80-120. The supermarkets in Slovenia are good for local produce, cheese and cured meats. Picnic lunch preparation on hiking days is an expensive endeavour.

Use Buses for Main Routes

Rentals are costly – £25-40 per day, plus petrol and parking fees. Assuming that you are going to Ljubljana, Bled, and coastal towns on your trip, everything is managed by buses at a fraction of the price. One can rent a car and spend only 2-3 days with it to visit the places that are more difficult to reach, spending the rest of the time with buses. For planning your journeys within Ljubljana, you can check schedules and routes on the Ljubljana public transport website, which provides all the information you need for buses, tickets, and city connections.

Free Walking Tours

Other cities, such as Ljubljana, have free walking tours that operate on tips. They offer great orientation and local knowledge at a price of between 5-10 tips as opposed to the 20-30 per person charge of organised tours. The guides are highly learned and passionate.

What You Can’t Skip on a Budget

A delicious slice of traditional Slovenian cream cake (Kremšnita) from Bled, dusted with powdered sugar, served on a white plate with a small fork, against a blurred background of greenery and water. It is a must try in Slovenia. Indulging in local delights like this raises the question: is Slovenia expensive for culinary experiences?

Being realistic about necessary costs:

Postojna Cave – £24 is pricey, but it’s spectacular and uniquely Slovenian. Worth the cost.
Some form of transport – even using buses costs money. Budget £50-90 minimum for 9 days of movement.
Lake Bled cream cake – it’s £5, but it’s the iconic Slovenian dessert. You’re doing it wrong if you skip this.
Occasional restaurant meal – Trying Slovenian food matters. Budget for at least 3-4 proper restaurant experiences.

The Honest Answer

An elevated, panoramic view of Ljubljana, Slovenia, on a sunny day. The Ljubljanica River curves through the heart of the old town, where terracotta-roofed buildings are nestled amongst lush green trees. On the right, Ljubljana Castle sits on a forested hill, towering over the city, with a church steeple visible below it. In the distance, the outline of mountains completes the scenic backdrop.

So, is Slovenia expensive? No, not really. Especially not compared to most of Europe. You can do a genuinely great 9-day trip for £800-1,200 all-in, including flights from the UK. That’s a remarkable value for a destination offering Alpine scenery, Mediterranean coast, fascinating caves, charming cities, and excellent food.

What Low Cost Vibes tells travellers: Slovenia rewards planning but doesn’t punish spontaneity like expensive destinations do. Book flights and the first few nights through our deals, then you’ve got flexibility. The costs won’t spiral out of control because Slovenia’s baseline pricing remains reasonable.

Our Slovenia packages specifically target travellers asking ‘is Slovenia expensive’ who want proof it’s affordable. We combine the best flight rates, accommodation deals that leverage our partnerships, and itinerary advice that maximises free experiences while hitting the paid attractions that matter. Contact Low Cost Vibes about our Slovenia deals, and we’ll show you how to do 9 days properly without breaking the bank. Slovenia’s one of Europe’s best-value destinations, and our deals make it even better.

FAQs for ‘Is Slovenia Expensive?’

Can I do Slovenia on £50 per day?

Yeah, definitely once you’re there. Staying in hostels (£15-20), cooking most meals (£12-15 daily), using buses (£5-8), and focusing on free hiking gets you there easily. That’s £40-50 daily before adding occasional paid attractions. At Low Cost Vibes, we find £60-70 daily gives you more breathing room for spontaneous restaurant meals or extra activities without constant budget stress.

Is Ljubljana more expensive than the rest of Slovenia?

Slightly, but not dramatically. Accommodation in Ljubljana’s centre costs maybe 15-20% more than equivalent quality in smaller towns. Restaurant prices are similar everywhere. Lake Bled during peak season actually exceeds Ljubljana pricing because of tourism demand. The coastal towns like Piran match Ljubljana’s costs. Overall, Slovenia maintains pretty consistent pricing across regions compared to countries with huge capital vs. countryside gaps.

When’s the cheapest time to visit Slovenia?

November through March sees the lowest prices but also the coldest weather and shortest days. Many mountain roads are closed, and some attractions have limited hours. For best value with decent conditions, May-June or September-October delivers 25-35% savings versus July-August peak season. The weather’s still excellent, everything’s open, but tourist crowds thin out. We help Low Cost Vibes travellers target these shoulder months for maximum value.

Do I need a car, or can I manage with buses?

Buses cover Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and coastal towns perfectly fine. If that’s your itinerary, skip the car rental. But Slovenia’s small villages, Triglav National Park hiking trailheads, and wine regions require a car for real access. Our recommendation: use buses for the main circuit, rent a car for 2-3 days to explore off-the-beaten-path areas. This hybrid approach balances cost with flexibility.

Are Low Cost Vibes packages really cheaper than booking independently?

For Slovenia specifically, yes – typically 15-20% savings on equivalent bookings. We’ve built relationships with Slovenian accommodation providers and negotiated bulk flight allocations. Our 9-day packages usually save travellers £120-200 versus a customised booking. Plus, we handle logistics, provide itinerary suggestions, and offer support if issues arise. The convenience alone justifies booking through us, but the financial savings seal the deal. When travellers ask, ‘is Slovenia expensive?’ our deals make it even more affordable than researching shows.