Which place is cheaper, Varna or Tbilisi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tbilisi or Varna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tbilisi 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: Tbilisi or Varna?
Tbilisi
Tbilisi is the capital of the country of Georgia. Its cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the "Mother of Georgia." Tbilisi’s eternal charms of a dramatic setting in the deep valley of the swift Mtkvari River, picturesque architecture, an ever-lively arts and cultural scene, and the welcoming Georgian lifestyle have been added a whole new 21st-century dimension of inviting cafes and restaurants serving ever better food, up-to-date lodgings from backpacker hostels to international five-stars, interesting bars and clubs, spruced-up museums, galleries, parks, plazas and whole streets, modernized transport and a sprinkling of eye-catching contemporary architecture. The mix of modern and ancient elements makes Tbilisi the beating heart of the South Caucasus and it is well worth a visit.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTbilisi $29Varna $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Tbilisi is $29, 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 Tbilisi and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTbilisi $13Varna $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTbilisi $26Varna $70
Compare Hotels in Tbilisi and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi 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: Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tbilisi $6.20Varna $9.33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi
Also for Tbilisi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 24/7 Taxi Airport Shuttle and Transfer Private Service: $14
- 3-Day Tbilisi & Mtskheta Discovery + Airport Transfers: $159
- 4 Days Private Tour in Georgia With Free Airport Transfers: $237
- Airport transfer by Visit-geo: $16
- Arrival Private Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to Tbilisi Hotel : $41
- Batumi airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $16
- Comfortable transfer from Tbilisi Airport: $53
- Comfortable,fast and safe private transfer from airport: $30
- From Transfer to Gudauri Ski Resort: $53
- From Tbilisi:Private Transfer service To Batumi: $240
- From Tbilisi:Private Transfer service To Gudauri Or Kazbegi: $120
- GEORGIA Intercity Transfers and Shuttle Service: $140
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $642
- Varna Airport - Sunny Beach | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $130
- Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
- Varna Airport - Aheloy | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $130
- Private Transfer from Varna to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $298
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $127
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $109
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $217
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $154
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $117
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Tbilisi or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Tbilisi 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 dayTbilisi $8.03Varna $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tbilisi
For Tbilisi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Natural Wine Degustation and Tasting with Georgian Dinner Option: $20
- Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri: $25
- Middle East Evening with Live Singers and Dinner in Tbilisi: $40
- Adjarian Khachapuri Making Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Traveling Spoon Georgian Dumplings Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Cooking Class with a Local Family: $49
- Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $70
- Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $72
- Taste of Georgia. Cooking-Class Khinkali, Khachapuri and more: $75
- Vegetarian Georgian Cooking Class: $78
- Food Tour with 9 Tastings and Wine: $88
- Full Day Tbilisi Tour with Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Activity: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tbilisi $15Varna $8.55
Tours and Activities in Tbilisi
For Tbilisi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Rustaveli Avenue: Roam down Tbilisi's historic main street on an audio tour: $5.20
- Skip the Line: Experimentorium Ticket: $5.45
- Virtual tour to Georgia: $10
- Private 4 days Food & Wine and Sightseeing tour to Kakheti, Kazbegi, Mtskheta.: $10
- First impression of Tbilisi-3 hours walking tour: $11
- Walking Tour in Old Tbilisi - Group Tour: $12
- Exploring Tbilisi Walking Tour: $12
- Highlands Tour: Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Zhinvali: $12
- One Day Expedition Tour in Kazbegi Mountains: $13
- Afternoon Walking tour of Old Town: $13
- Guided Half Day Walking Tour of Old Tbilisi: $13
- Tbilisi Guided Walking Tour: $13
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: $23
- Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Birds, nature and sightseeing tour around the Varna - Beloslav Lake: $205
- Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna: $205
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $114
- Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $27
- From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $74
- From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $205
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $205
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTbilisi $18Varna $8.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Tbilisi
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tbilisi:
- 3 Hours Walk Around Wine Tasting of 12 Different Wines in Tbilisi: $10
- Tbilisi.First impression of Tbilisi-evening walking,wine tasting: $11
- One-day tour of Kakheti from Tbilisi, free wine tasting: $14
- Wine Tasting Feel the Difference of Qvevri or Classical Wine: $16
- Full Day Wine Tour Bodbe , Sighnaghi , Telavi: $16
- Kakheti Day Group Tour: Free Wine Tasting: $17
- Kakheti Wine Tour, Кахетия -Винный Тур: $19
- From Tbilisi:Kakheti-Sighnaghi&Chateau 7Wine Tasting Tour: $21
- Kakheti, Signaghi, & Chateau Tour with Wine Tasting: $21
- From Kakheti Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $24
- City Pub Crawl with welcome shots in game format: $24
- Tbilisi City Pub Crawl: $26
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: $103
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tbilisi and Varna, we can see that Varna is more expensive. And not only is Tbilisi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tbilisi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tbilisi 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 Tbilisi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tbilisi Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tbilisi or Varna?
Tbilisi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Tbilisi 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.
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.