Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Brussels?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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: Brussels or Karlovy Vary?
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Brussels Prices
Belgium PricesKarlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrussels €165Karlovy Vary €98
The average daily cost (per person) in Brussels is €165, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €98. 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 Brussels and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrussels €73Karlovy Vary €38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrussels €146Karlovy Vary €76
Compare Hotels in Brussels and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Brussels 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: Brussels Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brussels €17Karlovy Vary €25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass€4.50
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Atomium train ticket (2)€8.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Brussels & Atomium: Private Tour with Transfer and Tasting: $813
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport or city to Rotterdam By Business car: $294
- VIP Transfer between Brussels Airport (BRU) and Antwerp: $268
- Private Transfer From Brussels To Circuit SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS Belgium Luxury car: $235
- Private transfer in Belgium Brussels Charleroi: $224
- Direct private transfer from Brussels to Bruges, 2h Stop in Ghent: $212
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels to Maastricht by Business car: $211
- Private transfer on arrival from Brussels Airport to Ghent by luxury car: $206
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $191
- Transfer Shuttle Leuven Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $189
- Private direct transfer from Brussels to Ostend: $189
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Bruges with Business car: $177
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $165
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $130
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $139
Is it cheaper to fly into Brussels or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Brussels 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 dayBrussels €66Karlovy Vary €44
Typical Food Prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons€4.60
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)€4.75
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Cheese€5.60
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Olives and Snacks€6.98
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Waffle€3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $46
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $74
- Brussels Food Tour: Main Dish, Beer, Waffle & Chocolate: $93
- Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local: $99
- Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $100
- Walking Food Tour with Chocolate, Beer, & Waffles: $111
- Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $127
- Food Tour of 10 Tastings - Waffles, Beers & More: $147
- Brussels Private Food Tour: Waffles, Fries, Beer & Local History: $152
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $183
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brussels €23Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "From Waterloo Battlefield History Private Tour: $500
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Fall and Rise of Art Nouveau: $18
- 3-Hours Private Sightseeing Trip in Brussels: $242
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $7.99
- Antwerp Tour from Brussels: $67
- Architecture Tour of Brussels: $29
- Art Nouveau's Sublime Capital: An Audio Tour in Brussels: $12
- Audio Guided Walking Tour of Brussels: $5.90
- Axe Throwing Experience: $20
- Battle of the Bulge & Gen Patton Private Tour from Brussels: $1,454
- Belgium: Discover the best of Brussels on our guided tour: $29
Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
- Tourist Cinema Experience: $5.78
- Home of Becherovka Visitor Center Guided Tour: $14
- Moser Glassworks Tour with Museum Entry: $17
- Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $46
- Mineral Hot Springs Tasting and Walking Tour: $47
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $181
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $242
- Best of Karlovy Vary Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $270
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
- Private Walking Tour: $279
- Elegant Private Walking Tour With Local Guide: $305
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrussels €13Karlovy Vary €6.41
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine€10
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Beer€6.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Mario Kart Championship at Micro Brewery & Distillery: $5.31
- BBQ night at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery: $15
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $23
- micro brewery & distillery tour + beer tasting: $29
- Beer Tasting Workshop at a Brussels Microbrewery: $42
- Immersive Brewery Tour for 2 with Beer Flight - Brussels Area: $44
- Beer & Chocolate Tasting in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $48
- Spirit tasting workshop at a Brussels distillery: $57
- Sip the Unexpected at a Hidden Leuven Brewery: $59
- Gin Cocktail Workshop at a Brussels Brewery & Distillery: $67
- Beer Pong in a Micro Brewery and Distillery: $76
- Private tasting: Beer & Chocolate in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $77
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brussels or Karlovy Vary?
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Brussels is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 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 JulyBrussels 18°C (65°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Brussels or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Brussels is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Brussels 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 OctoberBrussels 12°C (54°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Brussels or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Brussels can be very cold during winter. In January, Brussels is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 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 JanuaryBrussels 3°C (38°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Brussels or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
Both Karlovy Vary and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.
Brussels is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 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 AprilBrussels 10°C (49°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Brussels
| Brussels | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (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.