Which place is cheaper, Split or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Split?
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 Split 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 Split?
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.
Split
Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.
Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.
Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Split $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Split is $116. 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 Split in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Split $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Split $156
Compare Hotels in Varna and Split
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Split? 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 Split Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Split $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $642
- Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $127
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $108
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $217
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sofia: $271
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $117
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Nesebar: $109
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Lozenets: $164
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split
Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $54
- Airport Private Transfer from Split: $36
- Airport Private Transfer to Split : $37
- Airport transfers - round trip: $145
- Airport(Resnik) to or from Split transfer: $70
- Arrival Transfer Split Airport SPU to Split City by Car or Van: $50
- Be transferred in style! Every day Airport Transfer of Split: $85
- Cruise Port of Split to Split Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Cruise Port of Private Transfer to Split hotels: $131
- Departure Transfer Split City to Split Airport SPU by Car or Van: $50
- Direct Transfer In Private Car From Split To Dubrovnik: $239
- From Split Airport to Baska Voda (Private Transfer, Free WiFi): $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Split?
Prices for flights to both Split 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 $23Split $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split
For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small Group Food Tour: $37
- Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
- Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
- Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $101
- Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $190
- Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $239
- Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Split $3.96
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: $23
- Audio Guide for All Sunny Beach Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna: $205
- 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: $73
- From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $73
- Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $155
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $205
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $205
- Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
Tours and Activities in Split
For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.38
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
- Emanuel Vidović Gallery Entrance Ticket: $6.38
- Entry Ticket to the Cellars of Diocletian's Palace: $8.51
- Sightseeing Split's Roman Ruins: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Roman Ruins Sightseeing Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.31
- Klis Fortress GOT and Olive Museum Entry Tickets: $11
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Split $8.49
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: $103
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
Sample the Local Flavors in Split
Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
- From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
- Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
- Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $39
- Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
- Krka Waterfalls and wine tasting Tour from Split or Trogir : $46
- Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
- Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $54
- Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $70
- Blue Lagoon & Wine tasting - 3 islands tour: $98
- Vineyard Wine Tasting Experience with a Sea view from Split: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Split, we can see that Split 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 Split would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Split 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 Split Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Split?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Split, 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 Split?
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 Split in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Varna as well as Split. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Varna is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In the summer, Varna often gets less sunshine than Split. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets more rain in July than Split. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Split 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Varna or Split in the Autumn?
Both Split and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Split in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Varna is cooler than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Split. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Split. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Split 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Varna or Split in the Winter?
Both Split and Varna during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets less sunshine than Split. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in January than Split. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Split 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Varna or Split in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Split. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Varna is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Split. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Split 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Split and Varna
| Varna | Split | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.