Which place is cheaper, Hvar or Varna?
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 Varna or Hvar?
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 Hvar 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 Hvar?
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.
Hvar
Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.
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Varna Prices
Bulgaria PricesHvar Prices
Croatia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $91Hvar $153
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $91, while the average daily cost in Hvar is $153. 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 Hvar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $39Hvar $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $78Hvar $88
Compare Hotels in Varna and Hvar
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Hvar? 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: Varna Hotel Prices and Hvar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $10Hvar $55
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 Hvar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:
- Private Transfer to Dubrovnik with Korčula Stopover: $3,394
- Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $585
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Hvar?
Prices for flights to both Hvar 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
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Food Meals for one dayVarna $45Hvar $78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.
- Traditional Hvar Cooking Classes, Dinners & 'Poje' Field Tour!: $167
- Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $205
- Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $208
- Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner/Lunch: $256
- Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $298
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $9.44Hvar $8.80
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 Hvar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:
- 50 Shades of Blue: Blue Cave & 5 Islands Boat Tour from Hvar: $12
- Local Delicacies Tasting Experience in Hvar Town: $24
- 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $24
- Private Multi-Activity Experience in Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa: $27
- Stand Up Paddle school - learn to SUP and make your first SUP tour: $30
- 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $32
- Timeless Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $41
- Pakleni Islands Self-Guided Kayaking Tour: $53
- Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands: $54
- Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht: $68
- Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands Boat Tour with Swim: $70
- Hvar Island Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $9.40Hvar $11
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 Hvar
Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting Round Trip from Hvar - Family Winery at a Hilltop: $93
- Hvar Island E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting and Starters: $115
- Private Hvar Island Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $117
- Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $129
- Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
- Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $173
- Private Best Beaches Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $1,001
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Hvar, we can see that Hvar 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 Hvar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hvar 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 Hvar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Hvar?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Hvar, 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 Hvar?
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 Hvar in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Hvar. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.
In July, Varna is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Hvar. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Hvar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Varna or Hvar in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Hvar. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Varna is cooler than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Hvar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Varna or Hvar in the Winter?
Both Hvar and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Hvar. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Hvar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Varna or Hvar in the Spring?
Both Hvar and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Varna is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Hvar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Hvar and Varna
| Varna | Hvar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.