Which place is cheaper, Varna or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Varna?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, 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 dayIzmir $105Varna $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, 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 Izmir and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Varna $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Varna $70
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Varna $9.33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $46
- Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $93
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
- Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $87
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
- Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
- From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $96
- From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88
- From Ephesus Guided Day Trip with Transfer & Lunch: $106
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 Izmir or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $24Varna $23
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Varna $8.55
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
- Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
- Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
- Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
- PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
- Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
- Ephesus Tour: $56
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
- Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
- Izmir City Tour: $70
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
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 dayIzmir $8.86Varna $8.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
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 Izmir and Varna, we can see that Izmir 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Varna?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Varna in the Summer?
Both Varna and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Varna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Varna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Varna during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Varna. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 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 JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Varna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Varna in the Autumn?
Both Varna and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Izmir is a little warmer than Varna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Varna. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in October than Varna. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 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 OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Varna 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Varna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Varna.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. In the winter, Izmir is much warmer than Varna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Varna averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Varna during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun in the winter.
Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Varna. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 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 JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Varna 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Varna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Varna.
In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Varna fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Varna. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Varna. Izmir gets 45 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 AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Varna 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Varna and Izmir
| Izmir | Varna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (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.