Which place is cheaper, Varna or Izmir?
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 Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Varna?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesVarna Prices
Bulgaria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $96Varna $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $96, 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 Izmir and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $47Varna $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $94Varna $78
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $23Varna $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $120
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $251
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $56
- Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Edremit Hotels: $113
- Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $113
- Balikesir Edremit Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $113
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $161
- Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $113
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable : $45
- Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
- Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $251
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $94
- Private Transfer Bourgas Airport, Sunny beach, Nessebar & St.Vlas: $82
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $72
- Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $63
- Private Transfer from Elenite to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $54
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $144
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $135
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Varna (VAR) Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $79
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Varna (VAR) Airport: $245
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $33Varna $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
- Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $16Varna $9.44
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Walking Tour of Teos Ancient City and Sığacık Castle: $32
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $42
- Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
- Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Hotels : $67
- PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $69
- From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
- Izmir City Tour: $84
- From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour WITH ENTRY TICKETS+LUNCH: $85
- From Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Karahayit Day Tour: $88
- Izmir City Tour : $90
Tours and Activities in Varna
Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rope Adventure at Bellevue Park: $13
- Audio Guide for All Sunny Beach Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $17
- Self-guided tour in Varna Archaeological Museum + ticket: $23
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $23
- Self-Guided Tour in the Museum of Glass in Beloslav: $23
- Balchik Palace Walking Tour with Highlights: $36
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $48
- Varna Private Tour Itinerary: $67
- Bulgaria Cycling Day Tours - country & sea: $69
- The OFFroad Adventure : $70
- The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $70
- Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $6.94Varna $9.40
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $131
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 comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Varna, we can see that Izmir 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Varna?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Varna in the Summer?
Both Varna and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Izmir for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Varna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Varna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Varna during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Varna. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 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 JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Varna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Varna in the Autumn?
Both Varna and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Izmir because of the city's sights and attractions.
Izmir is a little warmer than Varna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Varna. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in October than Varna. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 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 OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Varna 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Varna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Varna. The cuisine are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. In the winter, Izmir is much warmer than Varna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Varna averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Varna during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun in the winter.
Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Varna. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 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 JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Varna 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Varna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Varna. Many travelers come to Izmir for the activities around the city.
In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Varna fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Varna. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Varna. Izmir gets 45 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 AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Varna 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Varna and Izmir
| Izmir | Varna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.