Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Basel?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Basel or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Karlovy Vary, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Basel or Karlovy Vary?
Basel
Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.
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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, 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 dayBasel $236Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Basel is $236, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $81. 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 Basel and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBasel $143Karlovy Vary $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBasel $286Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Basel and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Basel 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: Basel Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Basel $45Karlovy Vary $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:
- Private Transfer: Basel Airport BSL to Zurich in Luxury Van: $261
- Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251
- Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233
- Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
- Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
- Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
- Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
- Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
- Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108
- ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Basel or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Basel 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 dayBasel $61Karlovy Vary $26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Basel $37Karlovy Vary $12
Tours and Activities in Basel
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:
- Alpine Majesty: Basel to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Basel: $650
- Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Basel : Old Town Walking Tour: $107
- Basel : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $82
- Basel Adventure Tour - The city quiz: $37
- Basel City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $27
- Basel City: Private guided Segway Tour: $196
- Basel Family Adventure: Exploring Historic & Artistic Gems: $543
- Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
- Basel History Tour for Groups: $328
- Basel Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $167
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $223
- Private Walking Tour: $227
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBasel $33Karlovy Vary $6.54
Sample the Local Flavors in Basel
Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
- Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
- Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
- Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Basel or Karlovy Vary?
Basel has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel or Karlovy Vary?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Basel or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karlovy Vary. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Basel usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBasel 21°C (70°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Basel or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Basel is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBasel 13°C (56°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Basel or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. In the winter, Basel is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Basel usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBasel 3°C (37°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Basel or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty.
In April, Basel is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBasel 12°C (53°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Basel
| Basel | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.