Which place is cheaper, Interlaken or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Interlaken?
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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken?
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.
Interlaken
Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Interlaken $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Interlaken is $231. 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 Interlaken in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Interlaken $133
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Interlaken $266
Compare Hotels in Varna and Interlaken
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Interlaken? 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 Interlaken Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Interlaken $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
- Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
- Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
- Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $109
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:
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Cable Cars (for 2)$66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken
Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
- Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
- Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
- Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Interlaken?
Prices for flights to both Interlaken 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 $23Interlaken $64
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Tea at Interlaken$33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
- Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Interlaken $104
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
Tours and Activities in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
- Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
- Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
- Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
- Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
- Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
- Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
- Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
- Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
- Waterfalls Day Tour: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Interlaken $17
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Interlaken?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?
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 Interlaken in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Varna as well as Interlaken. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Varna is around the same temperature as Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Interlaken averages at about 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In the summer, Varna often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Interlaken 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Varna or Interlaken in the Autumn?
Both Interlaken and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Varna usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Interlaken 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Varna or Interlaken in the Winter?
Both Interlaken and Varna during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.
It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. The weather in Varna can be very cold. Varna is around the same temperature as Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in January than Interlaken. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Interlaken 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Varna or Interlaken in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Interlaken. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Varna is around the same temperature as Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Interlaken 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Interlaken and Varna
| Varna | Interlaken | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.