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

Should you visit Varna or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

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 Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Varna?

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

  • Varna Prices
    Bulgaria Prices
    Santiago de Compostela Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Varna $91
    Santiago de Compostela $123

The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $91, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is $123. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $39
    Santiago de Compostela $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $78
    Santiago de Compostela $86
Compare Hotels in Varna and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela


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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $10
    Santiago de Compostela $45

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCQ) to La Coruna Port: $157
  • Private Transfer from Santiago city hotels to La Coruna Port : $157
  • Private Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto with Tour: $209
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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
    Santiago de Compostela $39

Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    $4.11
  • Ice Cream
    $2.35
  • Cookie
    $1.17
  • Kebab
    $8.51
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    $32
  • Tuna Empanada
    $4.11
  • Fruit Shake
    $4.11
  • Crepe
    $4.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago de Compostela

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago de Compostela.

  • Santiago Food Tour Tapas Drinks and Delights with a Local: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $9.44
    Santiago de Compostela $45

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 Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Stroll Through History in Santiago: Quest Experience: $7.16
  • Secrets of Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Santiago de Compostela Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Land of Legends and Meigas Tour: $14
  • Guided Tour of the Old Town with an Official Guide: $14
  • Queimada Experience Show and Tasting at Santiago de Compostela: $18
  • Santiago de Compostela Hidden City Walking Tour: $18
  • Guided tour of Bodegas Granbazán: $22
  • Guided Tour Cathedral tickets included with Optional Portico: $24
  • Guided Tour Santiago Cathedral, Museum and Old City: $31
  • Santiago de Compostela Historic Walking Tour in Small Group: $32
  • Tour to Fisterra - Muxía Express! (from Santiago de Compostela): $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $9.40
    Santiago de Compostela $26

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 Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    $2.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

Also in Santiago de Compostela, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Santiago de Compostela?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Varna is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Varna or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Varna is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Varna or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Santiago de Compostela. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Varna or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Santiago de Compostela. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In April, Varna is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Varna

Varna Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)