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

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.


Which place is cheaper, Varna or Tbilisi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tbilisi is $29, 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 Tbilisi and Varna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tbilisi $13
    Varna $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tbilisi $26
    Varna $72
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.

Hotels in Tbilisi


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.
    Tbilisi $6.25
    Varna $9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi

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

  • (Copy of) Private Transfer: Tbilisi to Gudauri: $145
  • 24/7 Private Transfer from/to Tbilisi Airport : $43
  • 24/7 Taxi Airport Shuttle and Transfer Private Service: $14
  • 3-Day Tbilisi & Mtskheta Discovery + Airport Transfers: $139
  • 3-Day Tbilisi & Mtskheta Discovery + Airport Transfers: $159
  • 4 Days Private Tour in Georgia With Free Airport Transfers: $237
  • 4 Group Tours Including Airport Transfers: $172
  • Airport transfer by Visit-geo: $16
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to Tbilisi Hotel : $41
  • Batumi airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $16
  • Borjomi to Tbilisi Airport Transfer: $66
  • Comfortable transfer from Tbilisi Airport: $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $657
  • Varna Airport - Sunny Beach | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $133
  • Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $139
  • Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $133
  • Varna Airport - Aheloy | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $133
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $130
  • Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $67
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $111
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $222
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $158
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sofia: $277

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tbilisi $8.09
    Varna $24

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
  • Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class in Tbilisi: $24
  • Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri: $25
  • Georgian traditional bread "Khachapuri" master cooking class!! : $34
  • Georgian traditional dumplings "Khinkali" cooking master class!!: $34
  • Traveling Spoon Georgian Dumplings Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Adjarian Khachapuri Making Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Middle East Evening with Live Singers and Dinner in Tbilisi: $40
  • Tbilisi Food Tour in a Local Family: $49
  • Tbilisi Food Tour in a Local Family: $49
  • Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $70
  • Authentic Georgian Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Mother-Daughter Duo in Tbilisi: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tbilisi $15
    Varna $8.71

Tours and Activities in Tbilisi

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

  • An audio tour of New Tiflis: From flea markets to grand theatres: $5.20
  • Rustaveli Avenue: Roam down Tbilisi's historic main street on an audio tour: $5.20
  • Skip the Line: Experimentorium Ticket: $5.45
  • Tbilisi City Private Walking Tour, Ride by Cable Car to Narikala Fortress : $9.24
  • Old Town Walking Tour: $9.50
  • Virtual tour to Georgia: $10
  • Afternoon Walking tour of Old Town: $10
  • Kakheti One Day Tour with meal: $11
  • From Kazbegi Highlights Guided Day tour: $11
  • Walking Tour in Old Tbilisi - Group Tour: $12
  • From Tbilisi to Kazbegi, Gudauri, and Ananuri: Group Tour: $12
  • Highlands Tour: Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Zhinvali: $12

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: $24
  • Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
  • 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: $210
  • Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna: $210
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $64
  • E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $117
  • Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $28
  • From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $75
  • From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $75
  • Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tbilisi $18
    Varna $8.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Tbilisi

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tbilisi:

  • Tbilisi Walking Tour Including Wine Tasting Cable Car and Bakery: $14
  • Tbilisi Walking Tour with Cable Cars, Wine Tasting and Traditional Bakery: $15
  • Full Day Wine Tour Bodbe , Sighnaghi , Telavi: $16
  • Wine Tasting Feel the Difference of Qvevri or Classical Wine: $16
  • Tbilisi.First impression of Tbilisi-evening walking,wine tasting: $19
  • Kakheti Wine Tour, Кахетия -Винный Тур: $19
  • Kakheti Day Group Tour: Free Wine Tasting: $20
  • Full Day Bodbe Sighnaghi and Telavi Wine Tasting Tour: $20
  • Whole day Wine Tour to Kakheti from Tbilisi: $20
  • Kakheti: Sighnaghi city of love, Bodbe, Telavi, Free wine tasting: $21
  • City Pub Crawl with welcome shots in game format: $24
  • From Kakheti Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $24

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 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.