A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mamaia vs. Varna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Mamaia or Varna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Mamaia or Varna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Mamaia or Varna?

Mamaia

The most popular beach resort in Romania, Mamaia sits on an 8-kilometer wisp of land between Lake Siutghiol and the Black Sea. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and an aqua park, the resort area is a party-goer's destination with endless opportunities for fun in the sun and nighttime merriment.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Varna or Mamaia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mamaia is $53, while the average daily cost in Varna is $53. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mamaia and Varna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mamaia $21
    Varna $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mamaia $42
    Varna $58
Compare Hotels in Mamaia and Varna

Looking for a hotel in Mamaia 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.

Hotels in Mamaia


Hotels in Varna


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: Mamaia Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mamaia $22
    Varna $7.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna Airport/City to Sofia Airport/City Transfer: $152
  • Varna Airport - Sunny Beach | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $112
  • Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $112
  • Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $112
  • Varna Airport - Aheloy | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $118
  • VARNA One-Way Private Airport Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer to Bucharest from Varna (Bulgaria): $261
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Sofia: Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $168
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $342
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Nessebar, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $61
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Golden Sands: $45
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $146

Is it cheaper to fly into Mamaia or Varna?

Prices for flights to both Varna and Mamaia 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mamaia $19
    Varna $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mamaia $11
    Varna $6.99

Tours and Activities in Varna

Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $17
  • Bulgaria Day Bike Tours - countryside & seaside: $82
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $223
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $235
  • Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $19
  • Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide: $24
  • Self-guided Retro Museum Varna Tour: $8.96
  • Self-guided tour in Varna Archaeological Museum + ticket: $9.70
  • The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $61
  • Unique Boat Trip Experience from Varna: $86
  • Varna - Aladza Monastery - Balchik - Kaliakra Cape Tour: $187
  • Varna Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $227

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mamaia $9.64
    Varna $6.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Varna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Varna:

  • Vineyards tour & wine tasting near Varna: $5.31
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $40
  • Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $49
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $61
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $61

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Mamaia and Varna, we can see that Varna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Mamaia 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 Mamaia or Varna in the Summer?

Both Varna and Mamaia during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Mamaia is around the same temperature as Varna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mamaia in July are around 22°C (72°F), and Varna is about 23°C (73°F).

In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mamaia. In the summer, Mamaia often gets more sunshine than Varna. Mamaia gets 320 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in July than Varna. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mamaia 22°C (72°F) 
    Varna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Varna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mamaia and Varna.

In October, Mamaia is generally around the same temperature as Varna. Temperatures in Mamaia average around 14°C (56°F), and Varna stays around 14°C (57°F).

Mamaia usually receives more sunshine than Varna during autumn. Mamaia gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Varna. Mamaia gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mamaia 14°C (56°F) 
    Varna 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Varna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mamaia as well as Varna.

It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. The weather in Mamaia can be very cold. Mamaia is much colder than Varna in the winter. The temperature in Mamaia is usually 1°C (33°F) in January, and Varna stays around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Mamaia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varna. Mamaia gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in January than Varna. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mamaia 1°C (33°F) 
    Varna 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Varna in the Spring?

Both Varna and Mamaia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Mamaia is around the same temperature as Varna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mamaia in April are around 10°C (51°F), and Varna is about 11°C (52°F).

Mamaia usually receives more sunshine than Varna during spring. Mamaia gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Varna. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mamaia 10°C (51°F) 
    Varna 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Varna and Mamaia

Mamaia Varna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 26 mm (1 in) 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)


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Mamaia vs. Varna Travel Comparison

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