Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Varna and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Bilbao $28
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 Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $80
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $70
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $209
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $91
- Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 $23Bilbao $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Bilbao $31
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 Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.28
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.48
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Industrialists and Bourgeois: $13
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
- Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour : $28
- Walking tour of Bilbao with pintxo and drink: $31
- Private Kayak Tour along the Getxo Coast and Hanging Bridge: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Bilbao $23
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 Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
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 Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Varna is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Varna or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Varna is cooler than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Varna or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Bilbao. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.
Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Varna or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Bilbao. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.
In April, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Varna often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Varna usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Varna
| Varna | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.