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

Should you visit Varna or Oslo?

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 Oslo 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo is $136. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Oslo $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Oslo $162
Compare Hotels in Varna and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Oslo $23

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 Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $6.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $131
  • Arrival Private Transfer Oslo OSL Airport to Oslo by Business Car: $115
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $155
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $114
  • Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $106
  • Oslo Airport (OSL): Private Transfer to Oslo Cruise Port: $486
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Car: $148
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $229
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Car: $147
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van: $238
  • Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Oslo Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Oslo hotels: $129

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
    Oslo $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Oslo $19

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 Oslo

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

  • Explore Oslo with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Walking Tour in Oslo in English: $4.41
  • Tour a Pie en Oslo en Español: $4.41
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Oslo Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $8.02
  • Discover Oslo's Heart: Audio Tour Through Time and Beauty: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Fram Museum Admission Ticket: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Oslo $11

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 Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varna or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Oslo. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Oslo. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Varna or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Oslo. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In October, Varna is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Varna or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. Varna is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Oslo. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Varna or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Varna is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Oslo. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Varna

Varna Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)