Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Rotterdam $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $162. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Rotterdam $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Varna and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Rotterdam $28
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 Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport(AMS) to Rotterdam- Round-Trip Transfer: $131
- Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $169
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $273
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $169
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels: $98
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $23Rotterdam $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $79
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Rotterdam $34
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 Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.07
- Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $2.61
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
- Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
- Waterbus Ticket to Dordrecht and/or Kinderdijk: $10
- Private Smartphone Walking Tour on WhatsApp: $10
- Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Rotterdam $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 Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Varna is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Varna or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Rotterdam. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Varna is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Varna usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Varna or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Rotterdam. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Varna is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Varna or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.
Varna is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Varna
| Varna | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 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.