Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Varna or Marbella?
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 Marbella 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 Marbella?
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.
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Marbella $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Marbella is $125. 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 Marbella in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Marbella $66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Marbella $132
Compare Hotels in Varna and Marbella
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Marbella? 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 Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Marbella $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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
- Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
- Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
- Private Transfer from Alozaina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $112
- Private Transfer from Atalaya Park to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $127
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
- Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
- Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Marbella?
Prices for flights to both Marbella 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 dayVarna $23Marbella $41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Marbella $21
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 Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discover the Old Town through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
- Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
- Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
- Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
- Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
- Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
- group walking Tour: $26
- Explore Marbella Old Town: Tapas Tasting Adventure: $27
- Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Marbella $6.12
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 Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Marbella, we can see that Marbella 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella 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 Marbella Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Marbella?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Marbella, 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 Marbella?
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 Marbella in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Varna as well as Marbella. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In the summer, Varna often gets less sunshine than Marbella. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets more rain in July than Marbella. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Marbella 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Varna or Marbella in the Autumn?
Both Marbella and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
Varna is cooler than Marbella in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Marbella. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Marbella. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Marbella 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Varna or Marbella in the Winter?
Both Marbella and Varna during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Marbella. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Marbella averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets less sunshine than Marbella. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in January than Marbella. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Marbella 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Varna or Marbella in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Marbella. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Varna is generally cooler than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Varna usually receives more rain than Marbella. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Marbella 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Marbella and Varna
| Varna | Marbella | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.