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

Should you visit Varna or Oxford?

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 Oxford 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 Oxford?

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.

Oxford

Oxford is a city in England best known as the home of the 12-century Oxford University, the oldest English-speaking university in the world. The city also features landmarks such as Christ Church, the Bodleian Library, and a number of world-class museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Oxford 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 Oxford is $164. 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 Oxford in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Oxford $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Oxford $178
Compare Hotels in Varna and Oxford

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Oxford? 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 Oxford


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 Oxford Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Oxford $34

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 Oxford

Also for Oxford, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
  • National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
  • Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
  • Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
  • Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234
  • Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Oxford?

Prices for flights to both Oxford 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
    Oxford $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Oxford $24

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 Oxford

For Oxford, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Oxford's Literary Legends and Landmarks" A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Explore Oxford's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour for Students: $11
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Oxford $26

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 Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Oxford?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Oxford, 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Varna as well as Oxford. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is a little warmer than Oxford. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Oxford averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In the summer, Varna often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in July than Oxford. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Oxford 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Varna or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

In October, Varna is generally a little warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Oxford. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Oxford 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Varna or Oxford in the Winter?

Both Oxford and Varna during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. Varna is cooler than Oxford in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Oxford fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Varna often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in January than Oxford. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Oxford 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Varna or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Oxford. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varna is a little warmer than Oxford. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Oxford averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oxford during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Varna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oxford. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Oxford 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Oxford and Varna

Varna Oxford
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)