Which place is cheaper, Lisbon or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Lisbon?
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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon?
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.
Lisbon
Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.
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 in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Lisbon $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Lisbon is $140. 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 Lisbon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Lisbon $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Lisbon $126
Compare Hotels in Varna and Lisbon
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Lisbon? 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 Lisbon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Lisbon $26
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 Lisbon
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
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Taxi Ride$6.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Private Transfer to Cascais | Sintra | Estoril: $29
- Airport Private Transfer to Lisbon: $23
- Airport Transfer - Lisbon: $60
- Airport Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Luxury Van: $95
- Airport Transfer: Lisbon to Lisbon Airport LIS in Business Car: $66
- Airport Transfer: Lisbon to Lisbon Airport LIS in Luxury Van: $95
- Arrival Private Transfer from Lisbon airport LIS to Lisbon City by Luxury Van: $48
- Arrival Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Business Car: $65
- Cascais transfer: Private Transfer to/from Cascais or Lisbon: $59
- Costa da Caparica Private Transfer from / to Lisbon: $33
- Departure Private Transfer from Lisbon City to Lisbon airport LIS by Luxury Van: $48
- Exclusive Luxury Transfers to/from Lisbon Airport: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Lisbon?
Prices for flights to both Lisbon 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 $23Lisbon $45
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
- Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
- Tapas Food Tour: $42
- Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
- Lisbon Food Tour: $53
- Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $53
- 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $53
- Legendary Beer Dinner: $53
- No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
- Original Morning Food Tour: $63
- Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $70
- Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Lisbon $26
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 Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- See Lisbon Through the Eyes of a Local - Free Walking Tour: $1.07
- Lisbon Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.12
- Belém Unveiled: A Free Tour Through the Age of Discoveries: $1.28
- Alfama Walking Tour Lisbon: $3.26
- Wonders of Lisbon Walking Tour: $3.93
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Lisbon: $4.36
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in the Marvels of Lisbon : $4.80
- Tower of Saint George’s Castle Church Ticket & Drink: $5.35
- Lisbon Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.35
- Lisbon Cathedral Entry Ticket: $5.35
- Lisbon Walking Tour: $5.35
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Príncipe Real to Downtown Lisbon: $5.53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Lisbon $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
Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
- 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
- Lisbon Pub Crawl: $21
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $21
- Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
- Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
- Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
- Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
- Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $38
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Lisbon?
Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Lisbon, 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 Lisbon?
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 Lisbon in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Varna as well as Lisbon. Additionally, many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Varna is around the same temperature as Lisbon in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In the summer, Varna often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets more rain in July than Lisbon. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Lisbon 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Varna or Lisbon in the Autumn?
Both Lisbon and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Varna is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Lisbon averages at about 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Lisbon. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Lisbon 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Varna or Lisbon in the Winter?
Both Lisbon and Varna during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Varna can be very cold during winter. In January, Varna is generally much colder than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun.
Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in January than Lisbon. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Lisbon 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Varna or Lisbon in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Lisbon. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.
Varna is cooler than Lisbon in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Lisbon 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Lisbon and Varna
| Varna | Lisbon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.