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

Should you visit Varna or Rome?

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 Rome 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 Rome?

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.

Rome

Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is also a common entry point for most visitors flying into the country. Rome has been a center of power, culture, and religion for the last millenium, making it one of the most famous and popular destinations in not only Europe, but the world. The influence of the Roman Empire can be seen across continents.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 Rome is $182. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Rome $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Rome $190
Compare Hotels in Varna and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Rome? 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 Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Rome $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.14
  • Train to the Airport
    $16
  • Taxi to Airport
    $48
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Fiumicino Airport Rome (FCO) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $224
  • Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $207
  • Rome Private Transfer To Civitavecchia Sea port: $96
  • Rome hotels to Venice Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $293
  • Transfer from Civitavecchia port to Fco Rome airport or Rome : $250
  • Transfer from and to Airport - from and to Port - from and to hotel: $164
  • Airport Transfer to Rome City Hotels - Private Car Service: $65
  • Airport transfer: $120
  • All Italy: Private Premium Transfers in Rome: $76
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome City in Business Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome City in Luxury Car: $152
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome City in Luxury Van: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
    Rome $51

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $15
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.20
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.29
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $2.84
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $34
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.14
  • Dinner
    $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $16
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $31
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $33
  • Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $36
  • Roman Dinner & History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $37
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Rome Food Tour : Street Food Testings with Local Guide: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Rome $39

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $74
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $35
  • Roma Pass
    $32
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $21
  • Segway Tour
    $80

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Cambridge: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.26
  • Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome: $3.27
  • Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $5.31
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.33
  • Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Twilight Treasures: An Evening Tour Through Rome's Rich History: $5.44
  • Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
  • St. Peter's Basilica Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Rome $19

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 Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $6.96
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.79
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $32
  • Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $32
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $43
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $55
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience & Vineyards Tour : $61
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $68
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $71


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

Varna is around the same temperature as Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Rome. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Varna or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Varna is cooler than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Rome. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Varna or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Rome. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. In January, Varna is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Rome. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Varna or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Rome. Additionally, most visitors come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Varna is cooler than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Rome. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Varna

Varna Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)