Which place is cheaper, Varna or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Varna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Varna can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Varna?
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.
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 Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, 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 dayPamukkale $156Varna $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, 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 Pamukkale and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Varna $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Varna $70
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Varna $9.33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
- Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
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 Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $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 Pamukkale or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Pamukkale 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 dayPamukkale $69Varna $23
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Varna $8.55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
- Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
- Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
- Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
- From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
- Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
- From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
- Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $67
- Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $71
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
- Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $81
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Varna $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 Pamukkale and Varna, we can see that Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Varna?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Varna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Varna.
Pamukkale is a little warmer than Varna in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Varna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Varna. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Varna. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Varna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Varna in the Autumn?
Both Varna and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Varna averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Varna during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Varna. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Varna 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Varna in the Winter?
Both Varna and Pamukkale during the winter are popular places to visit.
The weather in Varna can be very cold. In January, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Varna. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Varna. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Varna 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Varna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Varna.
Pamukkale is a little warmer than Varna in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Varna fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Varna during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Varna. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Varna 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Varna and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Varna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 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 (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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 | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.