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

Should you visit Brasov or Karlovy Vary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Brasov 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: Brasov or Karlovy Vary?

Brasov

Brasov is a mountain resort city in the region of Transylvania in Romania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and best known for its medieval architecture and history.

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 Luxury Tours to Romania, The Best Budget Tours to Romania, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Brasov?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Brasov is $60, 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 Brasov and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brasov $23
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brasov $46
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Brasov and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Brasov 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 Brasov


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: Brasov Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brasov $18
    Karlovy Vary $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brasov

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brasov:

  • Transfer Bucuresti - Brasov: $364
  • Bucharest to Brasov - Private Transfer: $321
  • Brasov to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $321
  • Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $249
  • Premium Private Transfer : Bucharest Airport to/from Brasov: $248
  • Private transfer from OTP Airport to Brasov or Return: $139
  • Bucharest Private Transfer to/from Brasov: $139
  • Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest, 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $123
  • Airport Transfer Bucharest: $77
  • Private Airport Transfers from Bucharest: $77
  • Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest with Hotel Pick-up: $66
  • Airport transfer, Bucharest tour, Prahova Valley tour: $21

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: $119
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Brasov or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Brasov 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
    Brasov $26
    Karlovy Vary $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brasov

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brasov.

  • Small-Group organic home-made dinner in a Brasov village: $92
  • Enjoy Traditional Romanian Cooking in Brasov: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brasov $9.63
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Brasov

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Brasov are as follows:

  • Bran Castle Entry Tickets : $24
  • PIATRA CRAIULUI NATIONAL PARK eBike tour(BRASOV): $87
  • 1 day cycling tour in Brasov: $3.24
  • 3 Castles : Peles ,Bran ,Cantacuzino Wednesday filming site-Tour from Brasov : $98
  • 4 Hours Guided Bear Watching Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $84
  • Bear watching experience near Brasov: $147
  • Bears Sanctuary, Dracula Castle and Poiana Brasov-Private day tour from Brasov: $90
  • Best day adventure: Transfagarasan private tour from Brasov: $150
  • Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Entrance Fees Included - Optional Peles Castle Visit: $88
  • Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit: $50
  • Bran Castle, Bear Sanctuary and Palinca from Brasov with Tickets: $206
  • Bran Castle, Bear Sanctuary, and Rasnov Fortress Half Day Tour: $79

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $62
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $90
  • 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: $167
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $208
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $222
  • Private Walking Tour: $226
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $252
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $294
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $351

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brasov $7.83
    Karlovy Vary $6.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Brasov

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brasov:

  • Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress and Palinca Distillery Day Trip From Brasov: $98
  • Azuga wine tasting on a day trip from Brasov: $132
  • Bran “Dracula’s” Castle + Peles Castle + Brandy at Rasnov Distillery: $152


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brasov and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Brasov much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brasov would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brasov 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 Karlovy Vary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Karlovy Vary than you might in Brasov.

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


Which is Bigger, Brasov or Karlovy Vary?

Brasov has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Brasov 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 Brasov 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 Brasov or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brasov as well as Karlovy Vary.

Brasov is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Brasov averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, 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 Brasov this time of the year. In the summer, Brasov often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Brasov gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Brasov usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Karlovy Vary. Brasov gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Brasov 23°C (73°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Brasov or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Brasov is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brasov in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Brasov usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Brasov gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brasov usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Brasov gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Brasov 13°C (55°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Brasov or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Brasov during the winter are popular places to visit.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. It's quite cold in Brasov in the winter. In January, Brasov is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Brasov average around -1°C (30°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Brasov often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Brasov gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Brasov usually gets less rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Brasov gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Brasov -1°C (30°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Brasov or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brasov and Karlovy Vary.

Brasov is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Brasov averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Brasov usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Brasov gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brasov usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Brasov gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Brasov 12°C (54°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Brasov

Brasov Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (30°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 26 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 26 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)