Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Dresden?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dresden or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dresden 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: Dresden or Karlovy Vary?
Dresden
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.
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 Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 dayDresden €135Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Dresden is €135, 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 Dresden and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDresden €61Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDresden €122Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Dresden 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: Dresden Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dresden €11Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
- One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
- Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
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: $120
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Dresden 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 dayDresden €31Karlovy Vary €25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.
- Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
- Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dresden €9.56Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Dresden
Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
- 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
- 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $24
- 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery: $300
- Astonishing Dresden - Guided Walking Tour: $427
- Bad Schandau Scooter Tour in Saxon, Switzerland: $52
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $171
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $171
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $171
- Bicycle tour of Dresden: $32
- Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $21
- Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $22
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: $77
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
- Private Walking Tour: $227
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDresden €16Karlovy Vary €6.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:
- Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
- Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dresden and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Dresden 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden 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 Dresden Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dresden or Karlovy Vary?
Dresden has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Dresden 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.
In the summer, Dresden is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).
Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Karlovy Vary. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 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 JulyDresden 20°C (68°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Dresden or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Dresden is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In October, Dresden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 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 OctoberDresden 11°C (51°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Dresden or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Dresden is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Karlovy Vary. Dresden 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 JanuaryDresden 1°C (33°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Dresden or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
Both Karlovy Vary and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Dresden is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In April, Dresden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 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 AprilDresden 10°C (50°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Dresden
| Dresden | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.