Which place is cheaper, Porto or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Porto?
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 Porto 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 Porto?
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.
Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Porto $135
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Porto is $135. 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 Porto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Porto $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Porto $138
Compare Hotels in Varna and Porto
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Porto? 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 Porto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Porto $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
- Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
- Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto
Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers: $27
- Airport transfer with vintage Vw Kombi van: $107
- Arrival Transfer from Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Private Car/Van: $97
- Arrival Transfer: Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Business Car: $76
- Aveiro Private Transfer to Porto: $79
- Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Business Car: $76
- Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Luxury Van: $92
- Effortless Wheels Seamless Transfer Experience Porto-Lisbon: $364
- Exclusive Private Transfer Gaia - Porto Airport: $46
- From Porto Bus Station: Transfer to/from Lisbon Oriente: $4.22
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Lisbon: $642
- From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $627
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Porto?
Prices for flights to both Porto 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 $23Porto $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto
For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
- Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
- Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
- Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
- Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
- 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
- Half-Day Food Tour: $68
- Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
- Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
- Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
- Secret Food Tour: $77
- Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Porto $27
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 Porto
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $1.07
- Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.09
- Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center: $3.26
- From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $5.35
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
- Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.82
- Casa São Roque Direct Entry Ticket: $8.56
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Porto $20
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 Porto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:
- Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
- Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
- Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
- Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
- Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
- Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
- Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
- Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
- Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
- Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
- Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
- Pub Crawl Porto: $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Porto, we can see that Porto 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto 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 Porto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Porto?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Porto, 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 Porto?
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 Porto in the Summer?
Both Porto and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Varna is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).
In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets less sunshine than Porto. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets more rain in July than Porto. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Porto 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Varna or Porto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Porto. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Varna is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Porto during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Porto. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Porto 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Varna or Porto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Porto. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year.
The weather in Varna can be very cold. Varna is much colder than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets less sunshine than Porto. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Porto. Varna usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Porto 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Varna or Porto in the Spring?
Both Porto and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Varna is cooler than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Porto. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Porto during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Porto. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Porto 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Porto and Varna
| Varna | Porto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 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.