A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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: Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar or Karlovy Vary?

Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar

Located in northeast Romania, Cluj-Napoca is the capital of the Transylvania region and one of the nation's most-visited cities. Many visitors come to experience the modern Transylvanian university culture, admire historic churches and other landmarks, see fortress ruins, and visit museums.

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 Adventure Tours to Romania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar is $84, 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $50
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $100
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar


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: Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $14
    Karlovy Vary $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar:

  • Private Transfer Cluj Napoca Airport: $27

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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $25
    Karlovy Vary $26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $7.87
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar

Here are a few actual costs in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • CLUJ ADVENTURE TOUR ! ZIP LINE and HIKE: $98
  • Cluj : Private Walking Tour with Guide ( Private Tour ): $33
  • Cluj-Napoca Walking City Tour: $57
  • Cluj-Napoca: 2.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour: $26
  • Curly Tour - Day trip from Cluj :): $87
  • Local Tour of Cluj by Electric Bike: $49
  • Night Tour in Hoia Baciu Forest: $92
  • Private Climbing OR Hiking Experience in Cheile Turzii: $78
  • Private Full Day Green Tour: $119
  • Private city tour in Cluj-Napoca: $38
  • Snowshoeing Fun Tour from Cluj Napoca: $98
  • Transylvania: Dracula's Castle and Birthplace Tour: $134

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
    Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar $6.73
    Karlovy Vary $6.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar:

  • Pub Crawl in Cluj: $22


When comparing the travel costs between Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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 Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar or Karlovy Vary?

Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Cluj-Napoca / Kolozsvar 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.