Which place is cheaper, Kotor or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Kotor?
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 Kotor 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 Kotor?
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.
Kotor
A coastal town of Montenegro, Kotor is also a beautifully-preserved fortified, medieval town, featuring a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively piazzas, historic churches, and a spread of bars and restaurants throughout its historic Old Town.
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 Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Kotor $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Kotor is $108. 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 Kotor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Kotor $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Kotor $106
Compare Hotels in Varna and Kotor
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Kotor? 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 Kotor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Kotor $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $450
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $54
- 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 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 Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $66
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:
- Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Budva /Sveti Stefan: $217
- Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Lustica Bay: $152
- Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Podgorica City: $272
- Airport Transfer Tivat/Porto Montenegro to Portonovi /Herceg Novi: $141
- Enjoy Private Transfers by Car or Van from Tivat Airport to Kotor or Budva: $43
- Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $103
- Herceg Novi to Kotor one way transfer: $144
- Herceg Novi to Kotor one way transfer: $78
- Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica Airport (TGD) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
- Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Podgorica hotels: $296
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Kotor?
Prices for flights to both Kotor 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 $23Kotor $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kotor.
- Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $225
- Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $261
- Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $304
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Kotor $9.01
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
- Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
- Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $48
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- The OFFroad Adventure : $64
- Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $64
- The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
- From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
Tours and Activities in Kotor
Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kotor Sunset Group Tour: Lady of the Rocks and Perast(1.5hr): $22
- Private Walking Tour in Kotor : $22
- Kotor Old Town - City Walking Tour: $23
- Kotor Old Town Walking Tour: $24
- Panorama and Semi-Submarine Underwater Experience: $24
- Boat Tour to Perast Old Town & Our Lady of the Rocks: $27
- Tour Kotor - Perast Old Town - Island Our Lady of the Rocks - Every 2 hours: $29
- Kotor Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: $33
- Whole Boka Bay Cruise with Ship Knez Lipovac: $33
- Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks Boat Tour: $33
- Shore Excursion - Handwoven Carpet Workshop, Local wine and Kotor Old Town tour : $33
- Blue Cave Speedboat Tour from Kotor: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Kotor $9.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Varna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Varna:
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
- Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $54
- Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
- Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
- The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:
- Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
- Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
- Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $250
- National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $259
- Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $426
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Kotor, we can see that Kotor 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 Kotor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kotor 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 Kotor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Kotor?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Kotor, 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 Kotor?
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 Kotor in the Summer?
Both Kotor and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Varna is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Kotor. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Kotor 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Varna or Kotor in the Autumn?
Both Kotor and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kotor because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Varna is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.
Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Kotor 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Varna or Kotor in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Kotor. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.
The weather in Varna can be very cold. Varna is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Kotor. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Kotor 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Varna or Kotor in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Kotor. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Varna is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kotor. Varna usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Kotor 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kotor and Varna
| Varna | Kotor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 215 mm (8.5 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.