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

Should you visit Varna or Lagos?

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 Lagos 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 Lagos?

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.

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

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 in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Lagos 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 Lagos is $126. 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 Lagos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Lagos $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Lagos $132
Compare Hotels in Varna and Lagos

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Lagos? 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 Lagos


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 Lagos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Lagos $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • 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 Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
  • 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 Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Car or Van Departure Transfer Meia Praia or Lagos to Faro Airport: $78
  • Faro Airport to/from Lagos/Private Transfer max 4 passengers: $118
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer With Options To or From Lagos: $128
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to/from Monchique or Lagos: $103
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport Up to 8 passengers: $132
  • Private Transfer from Lisbon Airport Up to 8 pax: $487
  • Private Transfer to Faro Airport (60 min): $107
  • Private Transfer from Budens to Faro (FAO) Airport: $130
  • Private Transfer from Gil Eannes Square to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Quinta Falzina to Faro (FAO) Airport: $141
  • Private Transfer from Santa Maria (Lagos) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Lagos?

Prices for flights to both Lagos 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
    Lagos $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

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

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $97
  • Full-Day West Coast Adventure with Hiking, Sunset, Dinner & Wine : $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Lagos $28

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 Lagos

Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Guided Walking Tour with Brodie from Australia: $16
  • Ponta da Piedade Rock Formations Guided Boat Tour: $19
  • Tour to go inside the Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the beaches - Lagos: $20
  • Lagos Street Art: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour: $22
  • Boat Tours: $27
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour in Lagos, Algarve: $27
  • Coast Cruise Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos: $29
  • NATURA TOUR - Countryside of Lagos - ECO TUK and LOCAL guide: $29
  • TUK TUK Tour Lagos Old& New Town& Beaches- Best way to know: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Lagos $7.27

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 Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $44
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $86


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Lagos?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos in the Summer?

Both Lagos and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is around the same temperature as Lagos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Lagos averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Lagos. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Varna or Lagos in the Autumn?

Both Lagos and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Varna is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in October than Lagos. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Lagos 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Varna or Lagos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Lagos. Also, most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Varna can get quite cold in the winter. Varna is much colder than Lagos in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Lagos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In January, Varna usually receives more rain than Lagos. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Lagos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Varna or Lagos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Lagos. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varna is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Lagos averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. Varna usually gets less rain in April than Lagos. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Lagos 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Lagos and Varna

Varna Lagos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)