Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Rijeka?
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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka?
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.
Rijeka
Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Rijeka $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is $101. 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 Rijeka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Rijeka $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Rijeka $108
Compare Hotels in Varna and Rijeka
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Rijeka $17
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 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 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Rijeka?
Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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 $23Rijeka $36
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Rijeka $9.48
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 Rijeka
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:
- Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
- History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
- Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
- From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
- Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
- Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
- Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
- Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
- Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Rijeka $17
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 Rijeka, we can see that Rijeka 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 Rijeka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rijeka 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 Rijeka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Rijeka?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?
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 Rijeka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Rijeka. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Varna is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Rijeka 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Varna or Rijeka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Rijeka. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Varna is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Rijeka 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Varna or Rijeka in the Winter?
Both Rijeka and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.
The weather in Varna can be very cold. In January, Varna is generally much colder than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Rijeka 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Varna or Rijeka in the Spring?
Both Rijeka and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Varna is cooler than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Rijeka 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Rijeka and Varna
| Varna | Rijeka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.