Which place is cheaper, Varna or Skiathos?
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 Skiathos or Varna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Skiathos and Varna can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Skiathos or Varna?
Skiathos
Nestled in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Skiathos is a small but captivating island that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. As part of the Sporades archipelago, this verdant paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for all types of travelers. While Skiathos can be pricier than some other Greek islands due to its popularity, savvy travelers can still enjoy its charms without breaking the bank. To save money, eat at local restaurants, take public transportation, and find small, local hotels for accommodation.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.
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Skiathos Prices
Greece PricesVarna Prices
Bulgaria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySkiathos €412Varna €77
The average daily cost (per person) in Skiathos is €412, while the average daily cost in Varna is €77. 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 Skiathos and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSkiathos €215Varna €33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSkiathos €430Varna €66
Compare Hotels in Skiathos and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Skiathos 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: Skiathos Hotel Prices and Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Skiathos €115Varna €8.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Skiathos
Also for Skiathos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Skiathos Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $36
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 Skiathos or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Skiathos 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 daySkiathos €129Varna €38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Skiathos €45Varna €8.03
Tours and Activities in Skiathos
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Skiathos.
- Sea and Sun day cruise from Skiathos: $53
- Skiathos Guided Olive Oil Tasting Experience: $57
- Mamma Mia Cruise From Skiathos Island: $59
- Daily Sailing Cruise from Skiathos to Skopelos Island: $143
- Skiathos Semiprivate Sailing Cruise : $151
- All-Inclusive Sailing Cruise-Skiathos & Nearby Islands with Lunch: $155
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Cruise & Lunch: $161
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 daySkiathos €23Varna €7.99
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Skiathos and Varna, we can see that Skiathos 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 Skiathos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Skiathos 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 Skiathos Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Skiathos or Varna?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Skiathos. When comparing the sizes of Skiathos 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.
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.