A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Varna vs. Cork for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varna or Cork?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varna and Cork 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: Varna or Cork?

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.

Cork

Located on the banks of the River Lee, Cork has a small, but pleasant downtown that is easy to walk around. The city was built up on marshland, and many of the streets today, including St Patrick's Street, the South Mall and the Grand Parade, are actually built over what was once river channels. Today there are more than thirty bridges that cross over the channelized River Lee. As an orientation, it's nice to take a historic walking tour of the downtown area. Then you can explore the area in more detail by yourself. There are cathedrals, museums, and galleries around town so you can keep yourself quite entertained. If the weather is nice, head out to Lough park, which has a small freshwater limestone lake and some interesting water fowl to see. It's a great place to people watch and see daily life in the city of Cork.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Cork or Varna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $91, while the average daily cost in Cork is $144. 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 Varna and Cork in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $39
    Cork $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $78
    Cork $140
Compare Hotels in Varna and Cork

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Cork? 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.

Hotels in Varna


Hotels in Cork


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: Varna Hotel Prices and Cork Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $10
    Cork $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Varna (VAR) Airport: $27
  • Transfers from Varna Airport to Goldens Sands St. Constantine: $38
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $42
  • Private Transfer from Elenite to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $54
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $63
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $69
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $71
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $72
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $77
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cork

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cork:

  • Private Airport Transfer (To/From City Centre): $65
  • Private Airport Transfer XL (To/From City Centre): $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Cork?

Prices for flights to both Cork and Varna 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Varna $45
    Cork $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cork

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cork.

  • Hysterical Histories, Comedic Dinner Theater Show: $65
  • Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre Show: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $9.44
    Cork $11

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

Tours and Activities in Cork

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cork are as follows:

  • Saints, Sinners, and Stories: A Historical Cork Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Highlights of A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • City Gaol Tour with Audio Guide: $15
  • Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket with GUIDEBOOK: $15
  • Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Kinsale Cruise, Kinsale ( 50 minutes): $19
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Cork by Zombie Scavengers: $21
  • Cork City Hop On/Off Open Top Bus Tour: $26
  • Cork City: St. Patrick's Irish Whiskey Tasting Experience: $26
  • Hop On/Hop Off Cork City Sightseeing Tour : $26
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour: $26
  • 2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $9.40
    Cork $15

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Cork

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cork:

  • Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour: $33
  • Rebel City Distillery Tour: $33
  • Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery Experience: $36
  • Cork Midleton DistilleryJameson Experience & Whiskey Tasting: $37
  • Midleton Distillery (Jameson) Premium Whiskey Tasting: $41
  • Cork Midleton Distillery Jameson Whiskey Experiences: $42
  • Cocktail Masterclass & Distillery Tour Combo: $60
  • Jameson Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery: $70
  • Midleton Distillery Behind the Scenes Tour & Tasting: $88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Cork, we can see that Cork 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 Cork would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cork 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 Varna Expensive? and Is Cork Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varna or Cork?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Cork, 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 Varna or Cork?

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 Varna or Cork in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Cork. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

In the summer, Varna is a little warmer than Cork. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cork averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Cork during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Cork. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Cork 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Varna or Cork in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Cork. Also, many travelers come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Varna is generally a little warmer than Cork. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Cork fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Cork. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Cork. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Cork 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Varna or Cork in the Winter?

Both Cork and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cork in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. Varna is much colder than Cork in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Cork fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Cork during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cork. In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Cork. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Cork 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Varna or Cork in the Spring?

Both Cork and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cork for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Varna is a little warmer than Cork. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Cork averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cork. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Cork. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Cork 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Cork and Varna

Varna Cork
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)