Which place is cheaper, Budva or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Budva?
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 Budva 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 Budva?
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.
Budva
A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Budva $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Budva is $98. 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 Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Budva $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Budva $80
Compare Hotels in Varna and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Budva? 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 Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Budva $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $450
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $154
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
- Private Transfer from Elenite to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $49
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $130
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $299
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Varna (VAR) Airport: $223
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
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Daily Car Rental$70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $113
- Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
- Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
- Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Dubrovnik airport: $239
- Private Transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik: $272
- Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $87
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Sveti Stefan to Tivat airport: $71
- Private transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik City: $98
- Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva 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 $23Budva $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Budva.
- Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Budva $24
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
- Self-Guided Tour in the Museum of Glass in Beloslav: $13
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $18
- Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $23
- Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $27
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
- Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
- Tours in Historical Park near Varna + Tickets: $39
- Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $48
Tours and Activities in Budva
Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Skip The Line Tickets: Budva Citadela Fortress : $6.52
- 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
- From Day Cruise to Boka Bay: $42
- Great Cruise From Budva to Boka Bay in a Day: $42
- Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
- Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $43
- Night Lights Kayak Adventure : $43
- Soul of Montenegro: Kotor, Lovcen and Cetinje Day Tour: $61
- Private Boat Tour Adventure In Budva - Sightseeing & Snorkeling : $65
- Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $65
- Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Budva $15
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: $103
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
Sample the Local Flavors in Budva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Budva:
- Full Day Private Skadar Lake Wine Tour Experience from Budva: $177
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Budva, we can see that Budva 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 Budva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budva 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 Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Budva?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Budva, 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.
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.