Which place is cheaper, Varna or Ankara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ankara or Varna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ankara and Varna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Ankara or Varna?
Ankara
Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.
Varna
Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea. It's the third largest city in Bulgaria and many people consider it the summer capital of the country. It's a major tourist destination and it can make for a relaxing escape at the beach if you're in Bulgaria during the summer. It is the only city in Bulgaria that cruises visit, and as such, it's tourist infrastructure has grown. In addition to being a tourist destination, Varna is also a business and university center, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAnkara $116Varna $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Ankara is $116, while the average daily cost in Varna is $65. 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 Ankara and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAnkara $57Varna $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAnkara $114Varna $70
Compare Hotels in Ankara and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Ankara or Varna? 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: Ankara Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ankara $37Varna $9.33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:
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Metro Ride$0.04
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Short Taxi Ride$0.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
- Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $76
- Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $71
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $64
- Ankara Private Departure Transfer from City hotels to Airport: $60
- Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $109
- Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $109
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
- Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
- Private transfer: Ankara Airport (ESB) to Ankara: $39
- Private transfer: Ankara to Ankara Airport (ESB): $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Ankara or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Ankara 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 dayAnkara $32Varna $23
Typical Food Prices in Ankara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:
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A Quick Lunch$0.36
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ankara $34Varna $8.55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara
Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Underground City$0.25
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Family-Friendly Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.00
- Quick Tour, Essentials of Ankara: $6.00
- Inns and Baths City Sightseeing Mobile Audio Guide: $6.00
- Private Walking tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $32
- Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ) : $33
- Private Tour with a Local: $37
- Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour: $48
- Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Topkapi Palace: $145
- Istanbul: Golden Horn & Bosphorus Day Cruise: $165
- İstanbul: Full-Day Tour with Grand Bazaar: $180
- Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $215
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $218
Tours and Activities in Varna
Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-guided tour in Varna Archaeological Museum + ticket: $11
- Archaeological Museum Ticket & E-Guide: $13
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $19
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
- Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
- Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $49
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- The OFFroad Adventure : $64
- The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
- Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAnkara $15Varna $8.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Varna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Varna:
- Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $53
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
- Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
- Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
- The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
- E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $104
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ankara and Varna, we can see that Ankara is more expensive. And not only is Varna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varna 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 Ankara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ankara than you might in Varna.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ankara Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ankara or Varna?
Ankara has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Ankara and Varna, 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.