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

Should you visit Moscow 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 Moscow 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: Moscow or Varna?

Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Bulgaria, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Varna or Moscow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Varna is $68. 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 Moscow and Varna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $39
    Varna $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $78
    Varna $74
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Varna

Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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 Moscow


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.
    Moscow $6.01
    Varna $9.79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $175
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $97
  • Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
  • Private Transfer from Kebun Bunga to Palembang Airport (PLM): $97
  • Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
  • Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $140
  • Private Transfer from Padang Panjang to Padang Airport (PDG): $140
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Bukit Baru: $97
  • Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna Airport - Sunny Beach | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $125
  • Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $133
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $23
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $114
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $227
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sofia: $285
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $26
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $123
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $74
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Nesebar: $114
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Varna?

Prices for flights to both Varna and Moscow 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
    Moscow $14
    Varna $25
Typical Food Prices in Moscow

For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $5.84
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.18
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $16
    Varna $8.97
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Theater Tickets
    $12
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $11

Tours and Activities in Moscow

For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250

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: $26
  • Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $22
  • Audio Guide for All Sunny Beach Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $16
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $16
  • Birds, nature and sightseeing tour around the Varna - Beloslav Lake: $215
  • Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna: $215
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $66
  • E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $119
  • Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $28
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $215
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $215
  • Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $7.72
    Varna $8.93

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: $56
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $67
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $67
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $78


When comparing the travel costs between Moscow 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 Moscow Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Varna?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 Moscow 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 Moscow or Varna in the Summer?

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

In July, Moscow is generally cooler than Varna. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Varna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Varna. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Varna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Varna in the Autumn?

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

Moscow is much colder than Varna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Varna. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Varna 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Varna in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Varna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Varna averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Varna. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Varna 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Varna in the Spring?

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

In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Varna. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Varna fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Varna. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Varna 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Varna and Moscow

Moscow Varna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)