Which place is cheaper, Palermo 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 Palermo?
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 Palermo 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 Palermo?
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.
Palermo
Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Varna Prices
Bulgaria PricesPalermo Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $91Palermo $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $91, while the average daily cost in Palermo is $134. 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 Palermo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $39Palermo $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $78Palermo $132
Compare Hotels in Varna and Palermo
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Palermo? 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 Palermo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $10Palermo $6.62
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:
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Bus to Monreale$3.52
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Bus From Airport$7.04
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90 Minute Bus Pass$1.53
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Short Taxi Ride$5.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:
- Airport Transfer: Palermo Airport PMO to Palermo by Business Car: $106
- Airport Transfer: Palermo Airport PMO to Palermo by Luxury Van: $118
- CO2-Offset Arrival Private Transfer Palermo Airport to Palermo : $76
- CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer Palermo Airport PMO to Palermo City: $61
- CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer from Palermo Airport PMO to Palermo : $76
- CO2-Offset Departure Transfer Palermo City to Palermo Airport : $76
- Eurostars Centrale Palace - Palermo Airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $48
- Grand Hotel Wagner to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $60
- Mangias Pollina Resort private transfer to Palermo airport: $120
- Palermo Airport (PMO) to Palermo Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $184
- Palermo Airport (PMO) to Palermo Cruise Port- Arrival Private Transfer: $92
- Palermo Airport ⇄ Palermo City: Private Transfer Service: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Palermo?
Prices for flights to both Palermo 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 $45Palermo $59
Typical Food Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$38
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Fast Food Lunch$6.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.
- Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $65
- Taste the Tradition on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $70
- Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better: $78
- Night Street Food Tour of Palermo with a Local -For real foodies!: $83
- Wanna be Sicilian: Palermo Cooking Class and Market Tour: $88
- Cooking class in Palermo city center: $114
- Sicilian Cooking Class: $117
- Cooking Class in Palermo - fresh pasta and tiramisù: $118
- Sicilian Dinner & Tarot – A Magical Night of Wine & Laughs: $118
- Palermo Sicilian Cooking Class with a Well-known Italian Chef: $118
- Sicilian Cooking Class : Homemade Pasta: $123
- Cooking class in a villa with Palermo view: $138
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $9.44Palermo $20
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:
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Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)$7.04
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Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)$14
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Theater Tickets (for Two)$58
Tours and Activities in Palermo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:
- Palermo Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.77
- Skip the Line in Museum of Marionette Antonio Pasqualino: $10
- Zisa Palace Entry Ticket: $18
- Palatine Chapel Entry Ticket, Audio App & optional Norman Palace: $30
- Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $36
- Palermo No Mafia walking tour: discover the Anti-mafia culture in Sicily: $39
- Guided tour of the historic center Palermo: $42
- Markets and Monuments: Walking Tour in the Center of Palermo: $42
- Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Tour – Small Group or Private: $44
- Palermo : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $54
- Palermo Walking Tour and Street Food: $54
- Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $9.40Palermo $13
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:
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Beer$3.00
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Bottle of Quality Wine$13
Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:
- Wine Tasting Experience for Small Groups from Palermo: $269
- Private Tour to Segesta, Erice and Wine Tasting in Marsala: $275
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Palermo, we can see that Palermo 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 Palermo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palermo 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 Palermo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Palermo?
Palermo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Palermo, 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 Palermo?
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 Palermo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Palermo. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.
Varna is around the same temperature as Palermo in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Palermo. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Palermo 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Varna or Palermo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Palermo. Additionally, many travelers come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Varna is cooler than Palermo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Palermo averages at about 20°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Palermo. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Palermo 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Varna or Palermo in the Winter?
Both Palermo and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Palermo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. In January, Varna is generally much colder than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Palermo. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Palermo 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Varna or Palermo in the Spring?
Both Palermo and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Varna is cooler than Palermo in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets more rain in April than Palermo. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Palermo 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Palermo and Varna
| Varna | Palermo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 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.