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

Should you visit Sochi or Varna?

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

Should I visit Sochi 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: Sochi or Varna?

Sochi

Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is one of the southernmost major cities in Russia. It is especially busy in the summer when native Russians and international visitors alike come to enjoy the mountainous coastline and sunny beaches. Sochi is also known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic venues can still be visited today.

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 Sochi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $61, while the average daily cost in Varna is $66. 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 Sochi and Varna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $15
    Varna $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $30
    Varna $72
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Varna

Looking for a hotel in Sochi 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 Sochi


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.
    Sochi -
    Varna $9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $460
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $54
  • Private Transfer Bourgas Airport, Sunny beach, Nessebar & St.Vlas: $77
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Elenite to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $83
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Varna (VAR) Airport: $26
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $73
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $296
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Varna (VAR) Airport: $229
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Varna?

Prices for flights to both Varna and Sochi 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
    Sochi $18
    Varna $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $114
    Varna $8.71

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
  • Self-Guided Tour in the Museum of Glass in Beloslav: $13
  • Audio Guide for All Sunny Beach Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $16
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $16
  • Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $19
  • Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $24
  • Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $28
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $30
  • Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
  • Tours in Historical Park near Varna + Tickets: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Varna $8.67

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: $54
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $65
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $65
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $77
  • E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $105
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $130


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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Varna?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Sochi 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 Sochi 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 Sochi or Varna in the Summer?

Both Varna and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Sochi is around the same temperature as Varna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sochi in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Varna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Sochi usually receives more rain than Varna. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Varna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Varna in the Autumn?

Both Varna and Sochi during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Sochi is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 16°C (60°F), and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in October than Varna. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Varna 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Varna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Varna.

It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. Sochi is much warmer than Varna in the winter. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sochi usually receives more rain than Varna. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Varna 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Varna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Varna.

In the spring, Sochi is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sochi in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Varna averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Sochi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sochi usually gets more rain in April than Varna. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Varna 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Varna and Sochi

Sochi Varna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)