Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Reykjavik?
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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?
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.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Reykjavik $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $243. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Reykjavik $138
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Reykjavik $276
Compare Hotels in Varna and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Reykjavik $45
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 Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hveragerdi to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Deparure Private Transfer: $68
- Airport Express Shared Departure Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $37
- Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $29
- Airport Transfer (One way) between Keflavik and Reykjavik: $200
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $36
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket with Transfer: $254
- Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $163
- Blue Lagoon One Way Transfer: $184
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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 $23Reykjavik $30
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$176
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Icelandic Food Tour: $123
- Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $125
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $127
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $144
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour: $145
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Reykjavik $71
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$11
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Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.02
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
- Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
- Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
- Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $17
- Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
- Skip the Line: The National Museum of Iceland Ticket: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Reykjavik $28
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$8.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Reykjavik?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
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 Reykjavik in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Varna as well as Reykjavik. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Varna is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°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 Reykjavik. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Varna or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. In October, Varna is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Varna usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Varna or Reykjavik in the Winter?
Both Reykjavik and Varna during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. Varna is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Varna or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Reykjavik. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Varna is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Varna usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Varna
| Varna | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.