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

Should you visit Varna or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Varna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $66, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is $84. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Zagreb $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Zagreb $106
Compare Hotels in Varna and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.46
    Zagreb $9.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $457
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $54
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $157
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $66
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $73
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $294
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Varna (VAR) Airport: $227
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $66
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • From Sarajevo: One-Way Transfer to Zagreb & Plitvice Lakes: $434
  • From Split: Transfer to Zagreb with Stop at Plitvice Lakes: $151
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
  • From Transfer to Split & Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $162
  • Guided transfer from Zagreb to Split with Plitvice Lakes stop: $153
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zagreb with transfer to Split: $298
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zagreb with transfer to Zadar: $274
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $41
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb Airport - Zagreb: $41
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb Airport to Hotels and Vice Versa: $79
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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 $24
    Zagreb $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

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

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $76
  • Strukli cooking class with Dolac Market Tour: $77
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour: $127
  • Private Food Tour with Tastings: $176
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $197
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $870

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.67
    Zagreb $13

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
  • Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $24
  • Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $28
  • Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $49
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $64
  • Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $65
  • The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $65
  • The OFFroad Adventure : $65

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.34
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.43
  • Zagreb Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.06
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.60
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.77
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
  • Small-Group Walking Highlights Tour: $16
  • Self-Guided Zagreb Tour; Sit & Meet - Meet the great Croats: $21
  • Small-Group Walking Tour with Funicular Ride: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.64
    Zagreb $9.77

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: $54
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $65
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $65
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $76
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $129

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Local Craft Distillery Pairing Spirits with Local Craft Chocolate: $17
  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $17
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $33
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $61
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $209
  • Plesivica Region Wine Tasting Half-day Tour : $275


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Varna or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Varna is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Varna or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Zagreb. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Varna is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Varna or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Zagreb. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

In April, Varna is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Varna

Varna Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)