Which place is cheaper, Varna or Ephesus?
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 Ephesus or Varna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Varna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Ephesus or Varna?
Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).
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 Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.
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Ephesus Prices
Turkey PricesVarna Prices
Bulgaria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $131Varna $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $131, 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 Ephesus and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $55Varna $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $110Varna $78
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus 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: Ephesus Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $40Varna $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
- Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
- Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $50
- Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
- Kusadasi Horse Riding Beach and Forest options with Transfer : $66
- Kusadasi Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport: $102
- Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $90
- Private Guided Ephesus Tour with Cruise port Transfers: $80
- Private Transfer Kusadasi from/to Pamukkale: $263
- Private Transfer Kusadasi, Port, Hotel From/To Izmir Airport: $299
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Kusadasi: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sofia: $298
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Varna (VAR) Airport: $245
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $169
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Elenite: $169
- 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: $132
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $129
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Burgas: $123
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Ephesus 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 dayEphesus $45Varna $45
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
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Sandwiches$0.12
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Dessert$0.13
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Lunch at Beach (for 2)$0.46
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Snacks$0.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus
For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $46Varna $9.44
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- Kusadasi Legacy of the Ottomans: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
- Skip-the-Line Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $7.17
- SKIP-THE-LINE: BEST-SELLER PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR for Cruise Guests: $9.56
- Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour For Cruisers: $9.90
- Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $9.90
- "private Ephesus tours "" wholesaler Shop Tours ""from cruise port Kusadasi ": $10
- For Cruisers: Religious Ephesus Shore Excursion From Kusadasi Port: $11
- For Cruisers: Best of Ephesus & Shopping Tour: $11
- Private Ephesus Tour for Cruiser with Ticket and Lunch Options: $11
- PRIVATE or SHARED: Ephesus & Mary's House Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH: $11
- For Cruisers: Hidden Sights of Ephesus Tour: $11
- Skip the Line: Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest : $12
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
- Birds, nature and sightseeing tour around the Varna - Beloslav Lake: $225
- Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna: $225
- 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: $261
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $225
- 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: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $12Varna $9.40
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
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Beer$0.10
Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus
Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- PRIVATE & GROUP: SKIP-THE-LINE EPHESUS with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $12
- SKIP-THE-LINE Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $18
- POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $49
- Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
- Ephesus Shore Excursion with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $80
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
- Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $63
- Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $70
- Varna Vibes Adventure & Wine Tasting: $75
- The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $85
- Bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $113
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Varna, we can see that Ephesus 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 Ephesus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ephesus 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 Ephesus Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Varna?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus 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 Ephesus 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 Ephesus or Varna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Varna. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year.
In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Varna averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Varna. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Varna. Ephesus 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 JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Varna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Varna in the Autumn?
Both Varna and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the shopping scene.
In October, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Varna during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Varna. Ephesus 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 OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Varna 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Varna in the Winter?
Both Varna and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Varna can be very cold during winter. Ephesus is much warmer than Varna in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Varna. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Varna. Ephesus 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 JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Varna 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Varna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Varna.
In the spring, Ephesus is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Varna averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Varna during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Varna. Ephesus 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 AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Varna 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Varna and Ephesus
| Ephesus | 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.