A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Geneva vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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: Geneva or Karlovy Vary?

Geneva

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Geneva?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $213, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $82. 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 Geneva and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $147
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $294
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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 Geneva


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: Geneva Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $9.55
    Karlovy Vary $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Chamonix (FR): $710
  • Geneva Airport to Avoriaz Resorts- Private Round-Trip Transfer: $296
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Samoens: $293
  • Private Direct Transfer from Geneva to Lyon : $282
  • Geneva Private Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $275
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Montreux - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $274
  • Geneva Int Airport (GVA) to Méribel - Arrival Private Transfer: $264
  • Geneva Private Transfer to Val D' Isére or Tignes: $264
  • Geneva Private Transfer to Val Thorens: $264
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $264
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Zermatt/Saas-Fee-Arrival Private Transfer: $236
  • Private Arrival Transfer: from Geneva Airport to Yvoire, France: $228

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: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Geneva 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
    Geneva $53
    Karlovy Vary $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Geneva $30
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Geneva

Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $178
  • (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $173
  • (STTG03)Geneva International Quarter & Lakeside Sightseeing Tour: $29
  • (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $33
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Bike Guided Tour in Geneva: $34
  • 3 Hour Private Chocolate and Watch Walking Tour of Geneva: $284
  • 3-Hour Private Walking Tour in Geneva: $239
  • Activé Geneva Urban Art Tour 3h on a bike or ebike: $201
  • Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $85
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $21
  • Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $157
  • Best of Geneva City Tour : $94

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $67
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $92
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $114
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $169
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture 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: $226
  • Private Walking Tour: $231
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $256
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Geneva $23
    Karlovy Vary $6.64


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Karlovy Vary?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Geneva during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, 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 Geneva. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Karlovy Vary. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Geneva 22°C (71°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Geneva is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Geneva usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Geneva 14°C (56°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Geneva can be very cold during winter. In January, Geneva is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Geneva 4°C (39°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Geneva is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Geneva 11°C (53°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Geneva

Geneva Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)