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

Should you visit Varna or Ghent?

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 Ghent 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 Ghent?

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.

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

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


Which place is cheaper, Ghent 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 Ghent is $127. 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 Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Ghent $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Ghent $154
Compare Hotels in Varna and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Ghent? 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 Ghent


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 Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Ghent $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Business Car: $147
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Luxury Van: $166
  • Ghent <-> Amsterdam Shuttle Transfer (1 to 8 Seats): $229
  • Ostend <-> Luxembourg transfer (1 to 8 places): $233
  • Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) to Bruges- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent 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
    Ghent $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.

  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $102
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Ghent $9.26

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 Ghent

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.26
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.26
  • Ghent city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Ghent: $5.45
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Ghent Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.08
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $8.02
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour: $11
  • 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Ghent $19

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 Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Ghent Pub Trail : Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a young local: $245


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Ghent?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Ghent, 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 Ghent?

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 Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Ghent. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Ghent. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Varna or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Ghent. Additionally, many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Varna is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Varna or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. Varna can get quite cold in the winter. Varna is around the same temperature as Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Ghent. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Varna or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varna is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ghent. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and Varna

Varna Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)