Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Bratislava?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bratislava or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bratislava or Karlovy Vary? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Bratislava or Karlovy Vary?
Bratislava
The capital and largest city of Slovakia, Bratislava is set on the shores of the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. While the city is skirted by mountains and vineyards, its 18th century old town center is crossed with cobbled walkways and surrounded by historic landmarks and architecture. One such monument is the Bratislava Castle, set atop a hill overlooking it all-the old town, the river, and the bustle of people in the charming city below.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, The Best River Cruises in Slovakia, 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 dayBratislava €122Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Bratislava is €122, 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 Bratislava and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBratislava €49Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBratislava €98Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Bratislava and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Bratislava 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: Bratislava Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bratislava €26Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:
- Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $293
- Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $261
- Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $201
- Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $197
- Bratislava Airport BTS to Poprad - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
- Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $130
- Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna Airport, 2 Hour Stop: $109
- Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
- Bratislava Airport to Turčianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $23
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 Bratislava or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Bratislava 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 dayBratislava €45Karlovy Vary €25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bratislava.
- Local Beer & Food Tour: $141
- Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $168
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bratislava €30Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Bratislava
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bratislava are as follows:
- Bratislava Premium Private Walking Tour, 4 hours: $222
- Magic Christmas tour in Komarno: $232
- Banska Stiavnica from Bratislava, UNESCO Day Tour: $228
- Beautiful Bratislava Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Beer Factory Tour with Beer Tasting in Banska Bystrica: $157
- Bratislava - Bike Tour: $53
- Bratislava - Grand City Tour: $84
- Bratislava Big Castle Tour by Presporacik: $18
- Bratislava Brunch Tour: $92
- Bratislava Card with Public Transport Option & Walking Tour: $25
- Bratislava Castle: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.32
- Bratislava City Private Walking Tour: $27
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: $91
- 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: $223
- Private Walking Tour: $226
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $253
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $295
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $352
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBratislava €19Karlovy Vary €6.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:
- Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
- Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
- Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
- Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
- Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
- Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
- Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $103
- Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $143
- Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $157
- Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $179
- Small Carpathian Wine Tasting and Red Stone Castle Tour: $190
- Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $199
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bratislava and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Bratislava 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 Bratislava would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bratislava 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 Bratislava Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bratislava or Karlovy Vary?
Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Bratislava 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 Bratislava 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 Bratislava or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bratislava as well as Karlovy Vary. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.
Bratislava is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Bratislava 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 Bratislava this time of the year. In the summer, Bratislava often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Bratislava gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Bratislava usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Karlovy Vary. Bratislava gets 63 mm (2.5 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 JulyBratislava 23°C (73°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Bratislava or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Bratislava are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bratislava for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Bratislava is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bratislava in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Bratislava usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Bratislava gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Bratislava usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Bratislava gets 41 mm (1.6 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 OctoberBratislava 12°C (54°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Bratislava or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Bratislava during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bratislava in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Bratislava can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bratislava is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Bratislava average around 2°C (36°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Bratislava often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Bratislava gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Bratislava usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Karlovy Vary. Bratislava gets 38 mm (1.5 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 JanuaryBratislava 2°C (36°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Bratislava or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bratislava and Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Bratislava for the natural beauty during these months.
Bratislava is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Bratislava averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In Bratislava, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bratislava usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Bratislava gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bratislava usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Bratislava gets 51 mm (2 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 AprilBratislava 13°C (55°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Bratislava
| Bratislava | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (38°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.