Which place is cheaper, Varna or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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: Athens or Varna?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 dayAthens €127Varna €61
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Varna is €61. 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 Athens and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Varna €33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Varna €66
Compare Hotels in Athens and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Varna €8.77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Athens to Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port Transfer: $80
- "Luxurious Transfer": $47
- AIRPORT TRANSFER in Athens : $28
- Airport Private Transfers: $79
- Airport Transfer: $109
- Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $28
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $80
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $126
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $113
- Airport transfer: $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Minibus: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
- Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
- Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Athens 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 dayAthens €37Varna €22
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Varna €8.04
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Meouzo Online City Tour: $3.20
- Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.21
- Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.60
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.42
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.53
- Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Greece: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $7.18
- Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.48
Tours and Activities in Varna
Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $114
- From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $74
- From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $206
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $206
- Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
- GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $183
- Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $108
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Varna €8.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
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 Athens and Varna, we can see that Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Varna?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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.
When is the best time to visit Athens or Varna?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Athens or Varna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Varna. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Athens is a little warmer than Varna in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Varna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Varna. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in July than Varna. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Varna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Athens or Varna in the Autumn?
Both Varna and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Varna averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Varna during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Varna. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Varna 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Athens or Varna in the Winter?
Both Varna and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Varna. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in January than Varna. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Varna 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Athens or Varna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Varna. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Athens is a little warmer than Varna in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Varna fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Varna during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Varna. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Varna 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Varna and Athens
| Athens | Varna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
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.