Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik?
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.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
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 from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Dubrovnik $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $103. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Dubrovnik $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Dubrovnik $106
Compare Hotels in Varna and Dubrovnik
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Dubrovnik $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $642
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $449
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $299
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $290
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sofia: $271
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $217
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Lozenets: $164
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $154
- Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $130
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $127
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town$1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- AirPort Transfers Dubrovnik by CRUISER TAXI: $33
- Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $249
- Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $260
- Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $56
- Arrival Private Transfers: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik in Luxury Van: $53
- Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $22
- Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $55
- Departure Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Business Car: $36
- Departure Private Transfers: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV in Luxury Van: $53
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $56
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Cruise Port Arrival Private Transfer: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Dubrovnik?
Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 $23Dubrovnik $35
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
- Food Tour: Taste Dubrovnik: $97
- Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $127
- Old Town Food Tour: $143
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $146
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $166
- Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
- Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $197
- Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $208
- Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
- Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $213
- Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Dubrovnik $20
Tours and Activities in Varna
Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $23
- Audio Guide for All Sunny Beach Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna: $205
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $114
- From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $73
- From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $73
- Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $155
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $205
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $205
- Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)$14
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$56
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$48
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.32
- Self-guided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.46
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.37
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.38
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
- Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.51
- Medieval Adventure City Game: $6.91
- Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.04
- Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
- Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.51
- Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $8.74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Dubrovnik $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 Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $54
- From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $69
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
- Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
- Interactive Wine Tour: $80
- Korcula & Peljesac Wine Tasting Group Tour from Dubrovnik: $83
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
- Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $92
- Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Dubrovnik?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Varna or Dubrovnik in the Summer?
Both Dubrovnik and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Varna is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Varna usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Varna or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Dubrovnik. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Varna is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Varna or Dubrovnik in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Dubrovnik. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Varna can be very cold during winter. In January, Varna is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Varna usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Varna or Dubrovnik in the Spring?
Both Dubrovnik and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.
Varna is cooler than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Varna
| Varna | Dubrovnik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.