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

Should you visit Varna or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht 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 Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht

Utrecht is both a province and a city in the Netherlands. The city is a unique university city with a lively atmosphere. Imagine Amsterdam but smaller, and with fewer tourists. Utrecht has the same underlying historical/magical feel as Amsterdam, but is full of locals rather than crowds of tourists. It has a population of about 300,000 making it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Utrecht 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 Utrecht is $202. 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 Utrecht in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Utrecht $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Utrecht $228
Compare Hotels in Varna and Utrecht

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Utrecht? 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 Utrecht


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 Utrecht Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Utrecht $24

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Utrecht

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:

  • Private transfer from Utrecht to AMS Schiphol Airport: $120
  • Private taxi transfer from Utrecht to Amsterdam: $101
  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Rotterdam: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Utrecht?

Prices for flights to both Utrecht 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
    Utrecht $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Utrecht

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

  • City Boat Tour & Balkan Restaurant Lunch OR Dinner: $31
  • Vegan Food Tour like a local. Eat, walk, enjoy.: $70
  • Vegan Food Tour by bike in get of the beaten track! : $71
  • Vegan Food Tour like a Local: eat, walk, enjoy Utrecht: $71
  • Guided Food Tour: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Utrecht $47

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 Utrecht

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Utrecht are as follows:

  • Hoge Woerd Museum Entry Ticket with Audio Tour: $4.28
  • Utrecht Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • Highlights walking Tour in Utrecht with Audio and GPS Guide: $6.06
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • De Haar Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $7.49
  • Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht: $8.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $11
  • Lofen Palace Time Travel with Entry Ticket & Guide: $12
  • Guided Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $13
  • Dom Tower Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Utrecht $25

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 Utrecht

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Utrecht:

  • Utrecht Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Utrecht Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Utrecht?

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

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 Utrecht in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Utrecht. Furthermore, many visitors come to Utrecht in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is a little warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Utrecht averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Utrecht 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Varna or Utrecht in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Utrecht. Additionally, most visitors come to Utrecht for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Varna is generally a little warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Utrecht. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Utrecht 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Varna or Utrecht in the Winter?

Both Utrecht and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Utrecht can be very cold. Varna can be very cold during winter. Varna is a little warmer than Utrecht in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Utrecht 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Varna or Utrecht in the Spring?

Both Utrecht and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In the spring, Varna is a little warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Utrecht averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Utrecht. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Utrecht 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Varna

Varna Utrecht
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)