Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Lucerne?
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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne?
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.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.
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 Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Lucerne $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is $214. 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 Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Lucerne $137
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Lucerne $274
Compare Hotels in Varna and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Lucerne? 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 Lucerne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Lucerne $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
- Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
- Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
- LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
- Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
- Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne 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 $23Lucerne $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Swiss Alps: Traditional Swiss Fondue Cooking Class: $82
- Lake Candlelight Dinner Cruise: $141
- From Zurich: 2-Day Mt.Titlis including 4-course dinner: $547
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Lucerne $34
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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1 Day Bicycle Rental$34
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The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee$35
Tours and Activities in Lucerne
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
- Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $5.47
- Walking Tour - Around the Old Town Lucerne: $5.60
- The Lives and Legends of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Lucerne Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- Porrentruy Secret Tour: $13
- Scavenger Hunt and Self-guided Walking Tour: $15
- Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience: $20
- Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Lucerne $22
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 Lucerne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
- 3 Hour Unique Wine Tour - Half Day in Swiss Alps: $166
- Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $273
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Lucerne?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Lucerne, 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 Lucerne?
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 Lucerne in the Summer?
Both Lucerne and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Varna is around the same temperature as Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne 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)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Varna or Lucerne in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Lucerne. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Varna is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Lucerne averages at about 13°C (56°F).
Varna usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lucerne 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)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Varna or Lucerne in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Lucerne. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Lucerne can be very cold during winter. Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Varna or Lucerne in the Spring?
Both Lucerne and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Varna is around the same temperature as Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lucerne 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)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Varna
| Varna | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.