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

Should you visit Varna or Florence?

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 Florence 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 Florence?

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.

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Florence 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 Florence is $165. 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 Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Florence $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Florence $186
Compare Hotels in Varna and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Florence? 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 Florence


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 Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Florence $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
  • Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
  • Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    $8.57
  • Taxi from Airport
    $27
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    $32
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    $5.36
  • Bus From Airport
    $5.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Florence to Pisa Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Florence Airport To/From Florence Hotels): $65
  • Private Transfer from Florence to Milan: $216
  • Arrival Private Transfer Florence Station SMN to Florence City by Sedan or Van: $60
  • Chianti Wine Tastings and Visit to 3 Cellars with Lunch&Transfer: $234
  • Departure Private Transfer Florence City to Florence Station SMN by Sedan or Van: $60
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Montecatini Terme - RoundTrip Transfer: $183
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Siena or Sovicille - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
  • Florence Airport (FLR): One-Way/Roundtrip Private Transfer: $314
  • Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
  • Florence Airport Transfers : Airport FLR to Florence City in Luxury Van: $202
  • Florence Airport Transfers : Florence City to Airport FLR in Business Car: $177

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence 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
    Florence $38

Typical Food Prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $6.96
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
  • Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
  • Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Florence $32

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: $25
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
  • 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: $74
  • From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
  • GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $183
  • Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $108
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    $12
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    $4.29
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    $107
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    $21
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    $6.43
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    $7.50

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • The Best tour in Renaissance and Medici Tales: $0.02
  • Renaissance and Medici Tales Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
  • Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.26
  • Sunset Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.27
  • Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.27
  • Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
  • The Towers of Florence Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Florence: $5.44
  • Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Florence $20

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    $4.50
  • Bottle of Wine
    $8.04

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

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

  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
  • Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
  • 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
  • From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
  • Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
  • Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
  • Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
  • Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets less sunshine than Florence. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Florence 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Varna or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Florence. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Varna is cooler than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Florence. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Florence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Varna or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Florence. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Varna often gets less sunshine than Florence. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Florence 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Varna or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Varna is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Florence. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Florence 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Florence and Varna

Varna Florence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)