Which place is cheaper, Basel or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Basel?
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 Basel 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 Basel?
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.
Basel
Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Basel $236
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Basel is $236. 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 Basel in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Basel $143
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Basel $286
Compare Hotels in Varna and Basel
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Basel? 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 Basel Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Basel $45
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:
- Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
- Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
- ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
- Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
- Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
- Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
- Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251
- Private Transfer: Basel Airport BSL to Zurich in Luxury Van: $261
- Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
- Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Basel?
Prices for flights to both Basel 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 $23Basel $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Basel $37
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 Basel
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
- Basel's Portrait Self Guided Audio City Tour: $5.60
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
- The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Uncover Basel's Charms: In-App Audio Tour of Cultural Gems: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Basel $33
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 Basel
Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
- Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
- Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
- Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Basel, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Basel?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Basel, 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 Basel?
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 Basel in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Basel. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Basel. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Basel during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Basel. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Basel 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Varna or Basel in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Basel. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year.
Varna is around the same temperature as Basel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Basel. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Basel 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Varna or Basel in the Winter?
Both Basel and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Basel. It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. In the winter, Varna is around the same temperature as Basel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Basel averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Varna usually receives more sunshine than Basel during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Basel. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Basel 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Varna or Basel in the Spring?
Both Basel and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Basel. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Basel 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Basel and Varna
| Varna | Basel | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.