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

Should you visit Varna or Zurich?

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 Zurich 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 Zurich?

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.

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich 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 Zurich is $268. 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 Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Zurich $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Zurich $340
Compare Hotels in Varna and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Zurich? 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 Zurich


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 Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Zurich $36

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 Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes S Class 3pax: $179
  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes V-Class 6pax: $168
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $138
  • Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Private Car/Van: $95
  • Davos: Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $601
  • Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $138
  • Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $95
  • EnglishPrivate One Way Transfer Zurich Airport To Davos: $374
  • From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $78
  • From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $314
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich 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
    Zurich $62

Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Zurich $36

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 Zurich

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.47
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Zurich $29

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 Zurich

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

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $31
  • eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich: $129


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Zurich. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Zurich. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Zurich. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Varna or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Zurich. Additionally, many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Varna is around the same temperature as Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Varna or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Varna is around the same temperature as Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Zurich. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Varna or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

In April, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Zurich. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Varna

Varna Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)