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

Should you visit Varna or Bergen?

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 Bergen 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 Bergen?

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.

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

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 Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Varna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $108. 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 Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Bergen $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Bergen $134
Compare Hotels in Varna and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Bergen? 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 Varna


Hotels in Bergen


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 Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Bergen $9.65

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 Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen City by Minibus: $198
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by business sedan: $98
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $112
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Minibus: $143
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen city by luxury van: $92
  • Bergen International Airport: Private One Way Transfer: $100
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $131
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $83
  • Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $153
  • Private Transfer to/from Bergen Airport (BGO): $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Varna $23
    Bergen $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Bergen $16

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 Bergen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:

  • Explore Bergen with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.21
  • Visita a pie Bergen NORDIC FREEDOM TOURS: $4.96
  • Guided Walking Tour: $4.96
  • Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
  • Off the Beaten Track in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Bergen University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Walk with a witch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $6.99
  • Walking Tour of Central Bergen: $7.63
  • Pocket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Pocket Bryggen: A Self-Guided Audio tour in Bergen: $8.99
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Bergen $6.87

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varna or Bergen?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Bergen. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Varna is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Bergen. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Varna or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Bergen. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Varna is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Varna usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Varna or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. Varna can be very cold during winter. In January, Varna is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Bergen. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Varna or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

Varna is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Varna

Varna Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)