Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Varna or Zadar?
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 Zadar 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 Zadar?
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.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Zadar $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Zadar $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Varna and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Zadar? 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 Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Zadar $10
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 Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Elenite to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $49
- 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 Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $81
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $396
- From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $606
- From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $457
- Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $282
- Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $275
- Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $67
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Kožino: $54
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $193
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Pag Island: $174
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Split: $231
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar 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 dayVarna $23Zadar $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Small Group Cooking Class: $38
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
- Zadar Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $98
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $217
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Zadar $20
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
- Self-Guided Tour in the Museum of Glass in Beloslav: $13
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $18
- Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $23
- Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $27
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
- Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
- Tours in Historical Park near Varna + Tickets: $39
- Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $48
Tours and Activities in Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Paklenica National Park Admission Ticket: $5.57
- Zadar historical guided tour: $16
- Old Town Walking Tour: $16
- Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
- Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
- Zadar City Tour 90min Walk: $20
- Sunset Boat Tour with a Glass of Prosecco: $20
- Guided City Walking Tour: $21
- The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
- Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Zadar $12
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 Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
- Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
- Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Zadar, we can see that Zadar 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 Zadar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zadar 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 Zadar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Zadar?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Zadar, 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 Zadar?
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 Zadar in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Zadar. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Varna is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Zadar. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Varna or Zadar in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Zadar. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Varna is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Varna or Zadar in the Winter?
Both Zadar and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Varna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Zadar. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Varna or Zadar in the Spring?
Both Zadar and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
In April, Varna is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Varna
| Varna | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.