Which place is cheaper, Varna or Bucharest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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: Bucharest or Varna?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, 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 dayBucharest $137Varna $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $137, 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 Bucharest and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $63Varna $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $126Varna $70
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $26Varna $9.33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest Airport Private Transfer by Van : $76
- ATV Adrenaline Race in Carpathian with Private Transfer: $140
- Airport Bucharest Transfer: $54
- Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $43
- Airport Transfer Bucharest - Brasov ,Brasov- Bucharest: $65
- Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $43
- Airport to Bucharest /Private Transfer from OTP Henri Coanda: $39
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov in Luxury Van: $162
- Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $51
- Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $65
- Bran Castle of Dracula Yourself : Private Transfer from Bucharest Airport OTP: $239
- Bucharest (Romania) to Veliko Tarnavo (Bulgaria) - Private Guided Transfer : $282
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $450
- 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 Elenite to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $49
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Varna (VAR) Airport: $223
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Bucharest 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 dayBucharest $58Varna $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
- Cooking Class traditional food: $65
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
- Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $201
- Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $227
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bucharest $15Varna $8.55
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $5.31
- Tour Kings and Palaces of Bucharest: $11
- A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $11
- Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
- Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $13
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
- Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $17
- Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $19
- Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
- Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $21
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Bucharest: $22
- Roma Culture and History Guided Walking Tour: $22
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
- Self-Guided Tour in the Museum of Glass in Beloslav: $13
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $18
- Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $23
- Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $27
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
- Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
- Tours in Historical Park near Varna + Tickets: $39
- Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBucharest $9.17Varna $8.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $23
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $42
- Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $45
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
- Romanian Wine Tasting: $48
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
- Wine Tasting Tour at First Wine Bar: $85
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: $103
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Varna, we can see that Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Varna?
Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Varna?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Bucharest or Varna in the Summer?
Both Varna and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Varna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Varna averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Varna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bucharest. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Varna during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Varna. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBucharest 23°C (73°F)Varna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Varna in the Autumn?
Both Varna and Bucharest during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Bucharest is generally cooler than Varna. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Varna. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun.
Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Varna. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBucharest 13°C (55°F)Varna 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Varna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Varna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. It's quite cold in Bucharest in the winter. Bucharest is much colder than Varna in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Varna during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Varna. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBucharest -1°C (29°F)Varna 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Varna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Varna. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Varna averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Varna. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun.
Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Varna. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBucharest 12°C (54°F)Varna 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Varna and Bucharest
| Bucharest | Varna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.