Which place is cheaper, Varna or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bodrum or Varna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Varna 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: Bodrum or Varna?
Bodrum
Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.
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 Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.
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Bodrum Prices
Turkey PricesVarna Prices
Bulgaria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $86Varna $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $86, while the average daily cost in Varna is $91. 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 Bodrum and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodrum $38Varna $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $76Varna $78
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Bodrum 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: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodrum $19Varna $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Bodrum to Bodrum Airport BJV by Business Car: $73
- Arrival Transfer Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Minibus: $100
- Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum by Car/Van: $82
- Authentic Turkish Hamam and Spa Unforgettable Ritual WithTransfer: $24
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $119
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $86
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Golturkbuku Hotels: $102
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gundogan Hotels: $108
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $84
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $125
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $221
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $191
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $170
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $144
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $140
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $135
- Varna Airport - Sunny Beach | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $129
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $94
- Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $90
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Bodrum 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 dayBodrum $33Varna $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum
For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Turkish Cooking Class in a Local Home: $70
- Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $114
- Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $143
- Market Visit and Cooking Class: $152
- Bodrum Cooking Class: $191
- Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $202
- Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $209
- Sunset Boat Trip including Dinner: $239
- 3-Hour Private Sunset Boat Tour With Dinner in Bodrum: $243
- Private Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner: $388
- From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $410
- Private Sunset Yacht Tour with light Dinner: $528
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $25Varna $9.44
Tours and Activities in Bodrum
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.
- Turkish Bath Hamam Spa Experience: $18
- Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
- Bodrum Boat Tour with Lunch: Beaches and Islands: $28
- Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $29
- Karaada Boat Cruise with Lunch: $29
- Bodrum Orak Island Boat Cruise with Lunch and Swimming: $33
- Boat Tour to Orak Island: $33
- Pirate Boat Adventure Sail Swim and Party in Bodrum: $33
- Cleopatra Island Tour with Lunch and Swimming Stops: $34
- Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience: $35
- Bodrum Cleopatra & Orak Island Mix Tour by Boat: $36
- Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour with Lunch & Swimming Stops: $37
Tours and Activities in Varna
Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Audio Guide for All Sunny Beach Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $17
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $23
- Balchik Palace Walking Tour with Highlights: $36
- Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna: $226
- Bulgaria Cycling Day Tours - country & sea: $69
- E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $125
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $262
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $226
- Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $96
- GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $201
- Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $118
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $11Varna $9.40
Sample the Local Flavors in Bodrum
Also in Bodrum, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Looms & Vines: Turkish Rug Heritage and Boutique Wine Tasting: $180
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: $59
- Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $71
- Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $71
- Varna Vibes Adventure & Wine Tasting: $75
- The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $94
When comparing the travel costs between Bodrum and Varna, we can see that Varna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bodrum Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Varna?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum 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 Bodrum or Varna?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Bodrum or Varna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Varna.
In the summer, Bodrum is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bodrum in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Varna averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Varna. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBodrum 27°C (81°F)Varna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Varna in the Autumn?
Both Varna and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In October, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 19°C (66°F), and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Varna. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBodrum 19°C (66°F)Varna 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Varna in the Winter?
Both Varna and Bodrum during the winter are popular places to visit.
Varna can get quite cold in the winter. Bodrum is much warmer than Varna in the winter. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Varna. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBodrum 10°C (50°F)Varna 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Varna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Varna.
In the spring, Bodrum is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bodrum in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Varna averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Varna. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBodrum 15°C (59°F)Varna 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Varna and Bodrum
| Bodrum | Varna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.