A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Varna vs. Mostar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varna or Mostar?

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 Mostar 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 Mostar?

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.

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

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 Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Mostar 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 Mostar is $70. 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 Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Mostar $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Mostar $72
Compare Hotels in Varna and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Mostar? 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 Mostar


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 Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Mostar $8.65

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 Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Elenite to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $49
  • 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 Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $81
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $109

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • Airport transfer: Capljina - Mostar - Tuzla - Mostar - Capljina: $54
  • From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $266
  • Private Transfer from Jablanica to Mostar Airport (OMO): $135
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Blagaj: $39
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $290
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $116
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $290
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Metkovic: $135
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $213
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Split, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $163
  • Split to Dubrovnik via Mostar Private Transfer: $522

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar 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
    Mostar $26

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mostar.

  • Mostar street food tour: $56
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
  • Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Mostar $9.37

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
  • Self-Guided Tour in the Museum of Glass in Beloslav: $13
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
  • Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $18
  • Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $23
  • Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $27
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
  • Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
  • Tours in Historical Park near Varna + Tickets: $39
  • Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $48

Tours and Activities in Mostar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mostar are as follows:

  • Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket: $5.92
  • Mostar City Tour: $16
  • Walking tour in Old Town Mostar: $18
  • Walking Tour in Old Town Mostar: $20
  • Mostar city Tour: $21
  • Mostar Walking Tour: Orient in the West: $22
  • War Photo Exhibition Tour in Mostar: $23
  • Mostar Private Walking Tour - where East meets West: $32
  • Mostar Shelters tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Ottoman Experience Tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Death of Yugoslavia Tour in Mostar: $38
  • Private Half-Day Oriental Tour of Mostar with Food Tasting: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Mostar $3.71

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: $103
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    $6.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:

  • 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
  • Dubrovnik: Mostar & Kravica Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting: $59
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91


When comparing the travel costs between Varna and Mostar, we can see that Mostar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Varna Expensive? and Is Mostar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varna or Mostar?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mostar. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Mostar, 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 Mostar?

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 Mostar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Mostar.

Varna is cooler than Mostar in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Mostar fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mostar this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Mostar. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Mostar 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Varna or Mostar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Mostar.

In the autumn, Varna is cooler than Mostar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Mostar averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mostar. Varna usually gets less rain in October than Mostar. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Mostar 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Varna or Mostar in the Winter?

Both Mostar and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Varna can be very cold. In January, Varna is generally much colder than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mostar. In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Mostar. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Mostar 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Varna or Mostar in the Spring?

Both Mostar and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit.

Varna is cooler than Mostar in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Mostar fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun.

Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in April than Mostar. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Mostar 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Mostar and Varna

Varna Mostar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)