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

Should you visit Minsk or Varna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Varna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Minsk or Varna?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

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 Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Varna or Minsk?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, 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 Minsk and Varna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minsk $32
    Varna $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minsk $64
    Varna $70
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Varna

Looking for a hotel in Minsk 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 Minsk


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: Varna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minsk $12
    Varna $9.33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $54
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $66
  • Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $82
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $109
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Varna?

Prices for flights to both Varna and Minsk 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
    Minsk $21
    Varna $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minsk $20
    Varna $8.55

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
  • Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
  • Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $48
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
  • The OFFroad Adventure : $64
  • Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $64
  • The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
  • From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minsk $14
    Varna $8.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Varna

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

  • Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
  • Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $54
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127


When comparing the travel costs between Minsk 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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Minsk Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Minsk or Varna?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk 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 Minsk or Varna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Varna.

In the summer, Minsk is cooler than Varna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minsk in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Varna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In Minsk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minsk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varna during summer. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minsk usually receives more rain than Varna. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minsk 19°C (66°F) 
    Varna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Varna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Varna.

In October, Minsk is generally much colder than Varna. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (47°F), and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Varna. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets more rain in October than Varna. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minsk 8°C (47°F) 
    Varna 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Varna in the Winter?

Both Varna and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Varna can be very cold during winter. Minsk can get quite cold in the winter. Minsk is much colder than Varna in the winter. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Varna during winter. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minsk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Varna. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minsk -5°C (22°F) 
    Varna 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Varna in the Spring?

Both Varna and Minsk during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Minsk is cooler than Varna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minsk in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Varna averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Minsk often gets more sunshine than Varna. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Varna. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minsk 8°C (46°F) 
    Varna 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Varna and Minsk

Minsk Varna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)