Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Barcelona?
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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona?
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.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Barcelona $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is $167. 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 Barcelona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Barcelona $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Barcelona $206
Compare Hotels in Varna and Barcelona
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Barcelona $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
- Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
- Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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10 Trip Metro Ticket$8.36
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Airport Bus$5.36
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Metro$2.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Airport to Barcelona City transfer : $31
- Barcelona Airport to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $40
- Barcelona City to Sant Train Station Barcelona private transfer: $31
- Transfer From Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Cruise Port: $40
- Airport Transfers Barcelona Minivan : $75
- Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $31
- Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona: $33
- Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Car: $130
- Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $75
- Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Barcelona?
Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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 $23Barcelona $35
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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Hot Cocoa & Churro$4.45
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Sandwich$1.82
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Baguette & Horchata$4.07
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Tapas on the beach$8.88
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Gelatto$2.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
- Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
- Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
- Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
- Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
- Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
- Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Barcelona $36
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
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Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass$45
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Souvenir Gaudi Book$9.16
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Admission to Museo Picasso$6.43
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $2.14
- History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.94
- Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.21
- Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.21
- Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.21
- Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.21
- Gaudí Walking Tour: $3.21
- Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
- Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.27
- Sagrada Familia Exterior Free Tour: Stories, Secrets & Symbolism: $3.27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Barcelona $18
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 Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
- Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
- Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
- Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
- Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Barcelona?
Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?
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 Barcelona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Barcelona. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
In the summer, Varna is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Barcelona 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Varna or Barcelona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Barcelona. Additionally, many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Varna is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Barcelona 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Varna or Barcelona in the Winter?
Both Barcelona and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. Varna is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Barcelona 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Varna or Barcelona in the Spring?
Both Barcelona and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Varna is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Barcelona 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Barcelona and Varna
| Varna | Barcelona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 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.