Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Podgorica?
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 Podgorica 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 Podgorica?
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.
Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.
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 Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Podgorica $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is $114. 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 Podgorica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Podgorica $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Podgorica $100
Compare Hotels in Varna and Podgorica
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Podgorica $22
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $117
- From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $56
- Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
- Private Transfer to Budva: $38
- Private transfer to Kotor: $53
- Private transfer to Tivat: $53
- Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $67
- Private Transfer From Podgorica Airport TGD To Kotor Cruise Port: $47
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Bar : $97
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Herceg Novi: $154
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $116
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Podgorica?
Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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
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Food Meals for one dayVarna $23Podgorica $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Podgorica
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Podgorica.
- Hard Rock Cafe Podgorica with Set Lunch or Dinner: $17
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Podgorica $22
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 Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.15
- Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
- Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $13
- Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
- Lake Skadar Grmozur Fortress and Monastery Cruise: $16
- Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
- Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
- Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
- From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
- Private Podgorica City Walking Tour: $38
- Skadar Lake Cruise with Onboard Lunch: $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Podgorica $22
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:
- Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $92
- Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $105
- Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $119
- Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
- Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Podgorica, we can see that Podgorica 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 Podgorica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Podgorica 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 Podgorica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Podgorica?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?
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 Podgorica in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Podgorica.
In the summer, Varna is cooler than Podgorica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Podgorica averages at about 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Podgorica 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Varna or Podgorica in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Podgorica.
In October, Varna is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Varna usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Podgorica 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Varna or Podgorica in the Winter?
Both Podgorica and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. Varna is much colder than Podgorica in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Podgorica fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Podgorica 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Varna or Podgorica in the Spring?
Both Podgorica and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Varna is cooler than Podgorica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Podgorica averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.
Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Podgorica 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Podgorica and Varna
| Varna | Podgorica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 217 mm (8.5 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.