Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Bucharest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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: Bucharest or Karlovy Vary?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
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 from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, 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 dayBucharest $139Karlovy Vary $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $139, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $83. 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 Bucharest and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $63Karlovy Vary $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $126Karlovy Vary $80
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $26Karlovy Vary $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest to Sofia - Private Transfer: $584
- Bucharest to Sofia Private Transfer: $451
- Bucharest to Mihail Kogalniceanu - Private Transfer: $346
- Mihail Kogalniceanu to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $346
- Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo - Private Transfer: $325
- Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer: $325
- Bucharest to Craiova - Private Transfer: $303
- Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $290
- Bucharest to Tulcea - Private Guided Transfer - Driver and Car : $285
- Bucharest (Romania) to Veliko Tarnavo (Bulgaria) - Private Guided Transfer : $285
- Bucharest to Brasov - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda International Airport: $274
- Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer - Car and Driver: $274
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 : $66
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $121
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Bucharest 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 dayBucharest $59Karlovy Vary $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $54
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $64
- Cooking Class traditional food: $66
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $87
- Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $99
- Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $109
- Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $116
- Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $142
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $203
- Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $229
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bucharest $15Karlovy Vary $12
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bears Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle, Brasov Day Trip Private Tour from Bucharest: $251
- Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $93
- Transylvania Heritage Tour at Peles Bran and Cantacuzino Castles: $93
- 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $174
- 1 Day ATV Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $208
- 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $260
- 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,761
- 2 Days Private Tour - The Romanian Caves from Bucharest: $563
- 2 Hour Photoshoot Experience Near Bucharest Architectural Charms: $99
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Bucharest City: $88
- 2-Day Medieval Transylvania with Brasov,Sibiu and Sighisoara Tour from Bucharest: $252
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Dracula's Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, Sighisoara and Libearty Brown Bear Sanctuary with Overnight in Brasov: $204
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: $113
- Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $169
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $169
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $210
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $225
- Private Walking Tour: $229
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $301
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBucharest $9.28Karlovy Vary $6.69
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $38
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
- Private Wine Tasting Experience: $43
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $52
- Guided Pub Crawl in Bucharest: $56
- Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Karlovy Vary?
Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Karlovy Vary. Bucharest gets 64 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 JulyBucharest 23°C (73°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Bucharest is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 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 OctoberBucharest 13°C (55°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Bucharest can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Karlovy Vary. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JanuaryBucharest -1°C (29°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
Both Karlovy Vary and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city.
In April, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 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 AprilBucharest 12°C (54°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Bucharest
| Bucharest | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 64 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 (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°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.