A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bodrum vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bodrum or Karlovy Vary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Karlovy Vary 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: Bodrum or Karlovy Vary?

Bodrum

Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.

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 Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Bodrum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, 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 Bodrum and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum 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.

Hotels in Bodrum


Hotels in Karlovy Vary


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: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Karlovy Vary $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $218
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $131
  • Bodrum Akyarlar Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $125
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $125
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Marmaris Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Yalikavak Hotels: $104
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Turgutreis Hotels: $101

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 Bodrum or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Bodrum 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
    Bodrum $24
    Karlovy Vary $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
  • Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.

  • 2 Hours Private Sightseeing and Walking Tour in Bodrum: $106
  • A Breathtaking Pamukkale Day Tour from Bodrum: $278
  • All Inclusive Private BODRUM to Ephesus, Mary's House, Lunch Tour: $299
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary's House from Bodrum: $104
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Boat tour: Bodrum Private Boat Tour for Cruise Customers: $801
  • Bodrum ↔ Gulf of Gökova | Cabin Charter Cruise: $941
  • Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
  • Bodrum Buggy Safari Tours: $57
  • Bodrum City Sightseeing Walk: $150
  • Bodrum City Tour: 5-Hour Private Excursion with Lunch: $267
  • Bodrum City Walking Morning Sightseeing Tour: $213

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Karlovy Vary $6.54


When comparing the travel costs between Bodrum and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Bodrum is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bodrum Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Karlovy Vary?

Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 27°C (81°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Bodrum during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Bodrum is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Karlovy Vary.

It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. In the winter, Bodrum is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bodrum in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Bodrum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Karlovy Vary.

In April, Bodrum is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 15°C (59°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Bodrum

Bodrum Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)