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

Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod or Varna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nizhny Novgorod and Varna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Nizhny Novgorod or Varna?

Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod, commonly referred to as simply Nizhny, is the fifth largest city in Russia. It has a population of over 1.2 million and it is the primary economic and cultural center for the Volga region. The city dates back to 1221 and it sits at the intersection of the Volga and Oka Rivers. It became popular with tourists back in 1817 when the Makaryev Monastery Fair was moved to the city. The city continued to grow in popularity and by the middle of the 19th century it was a major trade center for the country. During the Soviet Union times the city became an industrial center as trade connections were abandoned.

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 Nizhny Novgorod?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nizhny Novgorod is $30, 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 Nizhny Novgorod and Varna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nizhny Novgorod $20
    Varna $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nizhny Novgorod $40
    Varna $70
Compare Hotels in Nizhny Novgorod and Varna

Looking for a hotel in Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod


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.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.19
    Varna $9.33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
  • Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
  • Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Nizhny Novgorod or Varna?

Prices for flights to both Varna and Nizhny Novgorod 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
    Nizhny Novgorod $9.51
    Varna $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nizhny Novgorod $1.69
    Varna $8.55

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: $25
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
  • E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $114
  • From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $74
  • From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
  • GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $183
  • Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $108
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nizhny Novgorod $2.35
    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:

  • 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 Nizhny Novgorod and Varna, we can see that Varna is more expensive. And not only is Nizhny Novgorod much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nizhny Novgorod would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nizhny Novgorod 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 Varna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varna than you might in Nizhny Novgorod.

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


Which is Bigger, Nizhny Novgorod or Varna?

Nizhny Novgorod has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod or Varna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Varna.

In the summer, Nizhny Novgorod is cooler than Varna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Varna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets more rain in July than Varna. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nizhny Novgorod 20°C (68°F) 
    Varna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Varna in the Autumn?

Both Varna and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Nizhny Novgorod is generally much colder than Varna. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 5°C (41°F), and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In October, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives more rain than Varna. Nizhny Novgorod 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
    Nizhny Novgorod 5°C (41°F) 
    Varna 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Varna in the Winter?

Both Varna and Nizhny Novgorod during the winter are popular places to visit.

Varna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nizhny Novgorod. Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Varna in the winter. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around -10°C (13°F) in January, and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Varna. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nizhny Novgorod -10°C (13°F) 
    Varna 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Varna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Varna.

In the spring, Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Varna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Varna averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In April, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Varna. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nizhny Novgorod 7°C (44°F) 
    Varna 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Varna and Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod Varna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -10°C (13°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -8°C (17°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 76 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -7°C (19°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)