A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Varna vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varna or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel is $168. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Mont-Saint-Michel $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Mont-Saint-Michel $150
Compare Hotels in Varna and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel


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 Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Mont-Saint-Michel $75

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Mont-Saint-Michel $32

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 Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Audio Tour around Mont Saint-Michele island: $5.45
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Walking Tour in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel: $16
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Mont-Saint-Michel $8.42

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


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 3910 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Varna is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Varna or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Varna is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Varna or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Mont-Saint-Michel. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

The weather in Varna can be very cold. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Varna or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Additionally, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

In April, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mont-Saint-Michel. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Varna

Varna Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)