Which place is cheaper, Varna or Vilnius?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vilnius or Varna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Varna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Vilnius or Varna?
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital and largest city in the country of Lithuania. It has a population of more than 500,000 residents and is located in the valley between the Neris River and the Vilnia River in the southeastern part of the country. Visitors come to the city for its beautiful Old Town, impressive architecture, and fascinating culture. In 2009 it was named the European Capital of Culture along with the city of Linz, in Austria.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVilnius €94Varna €61
The average daily cost (per person) in Vilnius is €94, while the average daily cost in Varna is €61. 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 Vilnius and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVilnius €42Varna €33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVilnius €84Varna €66
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Vilnius or Varna? 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: Vilnius Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vilnius €8.30Varna €8.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:
- Private Transfer from Vilnius Airport to Lithuania: $142
- Arrival Transfer from Vilnius VNO Airport to Vilnius by Minivan: $46
- From Druskininkai & Grutas Park Tour with Transfer: $513
- Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer: $27
- Riga / Tallinn / Vilnius. Transfer Between Baltic States: $641
- Riga: Bus Transfer to/from Vilnius: $20
- Transfer from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius: $214
- Vilnius Airport (VNO): Bus Transfer to/from Gdansk: $51
- Vilnius Airport Transfer: $51
- Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Riga: $24
- Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Warsaw: $35
- Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $53
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Vilnius or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Vilnius 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 dayVilnius €40Varna €22
Typical Food Prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:
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Dinner for Two€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.
- Private National Dinner with Folk Show: $60
- Dinner in local family: $74
- Flavors of Vilnius - Private Walking Food Tour: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vilnius €9.72Varna €8.04
Typical Entertainment Prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:
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Walking Tour€5.79
Tours and Activities in Vilnius
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Secrets of Old Vilnius Smartphone App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.00
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
- Vilnius Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line: Europos Parkas, Open-Air Museum Ticket Vilnius, Lithuania: $12
- Vibrant Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
- Regular walking tour of Soviet Vilnius: $18
- Regular walking tour of Jewish Vilnius: $18
- Regular walking tour of Jewish Vilnius: $19
- Regular walking tour of Soviet Vilnius: $19
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVilnius €6.38Varna €8.00
Typical Alcohol Prices in Vilnius
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:
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Beer€4.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius
Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Beer degustation at Bear & Boar Brewery Taproom: $43
- Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems: $46
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Varna, we can see that Vilnius 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius 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 Vilnius Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Varna?
Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Varna, 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 Vilnius or Varna?
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 Vilnius or Varna in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Varna. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Vilnius is cooler than Varna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Varna averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Varna during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Varna. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVilnius 18°C (65°F)Varna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Varna in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Varna. The autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Vilnius is generally much colder than Varna. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Varna. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets more rain in October than Varna. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVilnius 8°C (46°F)Varna 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Varna in the Winter?
Both Varna and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. Vilnius is much colder than Varna in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Varna during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Varna. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVilnius -5°C (23°F)Varna 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Varna in the Spring?
Both Varna and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Vilnius is much colder than Varna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Varna averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varna. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Varna. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVilnius 7°C (45°F)Varna 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Varna and Vilnius
| Vilnius | Varna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (26°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (33°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 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.