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

Should you visit Varna or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.

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 United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Cardiff 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 Cardiff is $194. 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 Cardiff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Cardiff $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Cardiff $232
Compare Hotels in Varna and Cardiff

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff


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 Cardiff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Cardiff $26

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 Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Cardiff?

Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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
    Cardiff $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Cardiff $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 Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
  • Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
  • Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
  • Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Cardiff $16

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 Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Cardiff?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Varna is generally a little warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cardiff. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Varna or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Varna is a little warmer than Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Varna or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Cardiff. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. Varna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Varna is cooler than Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Varna or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Cardiff. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In April, Varna is generally a little warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cardiff. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Varna

Varna Cardiff
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)