Which place is cheaper, Albufeira or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Albufeira?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varna and Albufeira 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: Varna or Albufeira?
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.
Albufeira
Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Albufeira $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is $158. 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 Varna and Albufeira in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Albufeira $79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Albufeira $158
Compare Hotels in Varna and Albufeira
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Albufeira? 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 and Albufeira Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Albufeira $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
- Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax: $49
- Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $27
- From Slide & Splash Waterpark One-Way Transfer: $59
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
- Private Transfer From Albufeira To Faro Airport By Minibus: $75
- Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $513
- Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro Airport (5 to 8 pax): $59
- Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
- Private Transfer from Ferreiras to Faro (FAO) Airport: $59
- Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Albufeira?
Prices for flights to both Albufeira and Varna 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 dayVarna $23Albufeira $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Albufeira.
- A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
- Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
- Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
- Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
- Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
- 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
- Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Albufeira $41
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
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $19
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
- Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
- Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $49
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- The OFFroad Adventure : $64
- The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
- Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $64
Tours and Activities in Albufeira
Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
- Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
- Old Town History Walking Tour with Drink: $20
- Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $21
- Authentic Algarve: Loulé Town Tour and Markets: $21
- Albufeira Old Town: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
- Albufeira The Strip: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
- Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Albufeira: $22
- 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
- Algarve Wines Tasting Shared Experience at Mercado Municipal de Silves: $27
- Tour to Benagil Caves and Coastline in Albufeira: $29
- Private Guided Tuk Tuk Tour with pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira : $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Albufeira $28
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira
Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
- Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
- Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $58
- Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
- Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
- Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
- Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
- Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
- From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
- Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $107
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira 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 Varna Expensive? and Is Albufeira Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Albufeira?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Albufeira, 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 Varna or Albufeira?
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 Varna or Albufeira in the Summer?
Both Albufeira and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Albufeira in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Albufeira. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Albufeira 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Varna or Albufeira in the Autumn?
Both Albufeira and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Varna is cooler than Albufeira in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Albufeira fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Albufeira. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Albufeira 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Varna or Albufeira in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Albufeira. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Varna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Albufeira. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Albufeira averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Albufeira 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Varna or Albufeira in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Albufeira. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.
In April, Varna is generally cooler than Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Varna usually gets more rain in April than Albufeira. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Albufeira 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Albufeira and Varna
| Varna | Albufeira | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.