Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Malaga?
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 Malaga 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 Malaga?
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.
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $150. 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 Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Varna and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Malaga? 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 Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Malaga $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
- Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
- Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Car: $73
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $53
- Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga 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 $23Malaga $37
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$32
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Dinner for 2$47
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Breakfast for 2$8.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Malaga $33
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos$7.61
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Concert$33
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
- Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
- Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
- Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
- Guided tour in Ronda: $13
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Malaga $24
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 Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Malaga, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Malaga, 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 Malaga?
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 Malaga in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Malaga. Furthermore, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Malaga. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Varna or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Malaga. Additionally, many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Varna is cooler than Malaga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Varna or Malaga in the Winter?
Both Malaga and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Malaga. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Varna or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Varna is generally cooler than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Varna
| Varna | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.