Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Karlovy Vary. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Karlovy Vary?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
Karlovy Vary
Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €76. 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 Athens and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Athens and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Karlovy Vary? 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Karlovy Vary €24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
- Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
- Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
- Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
- Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Athens 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 dayAthens €37Karlovy Vary €25
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
- Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168
Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
- Private Walking Tour: $227
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
- Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Karlovy Vary €6.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karlovy Vary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karlovy Vary 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Karlovy Vary.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Karlovy Vary?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Karlovy Vary, 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 Athens or Karlovy Vary?
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 Athens or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Athens or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Karlovy Vary. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Athens or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Athens is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Athens usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Athens or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Karlovy Vary. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Athens
| Athens | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.