Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Gothenburg?
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 Gothenburg or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg or Karlovy Vary?
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
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 10-Day Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Gothenburg Prices
Sweden PricesKarlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $147Karlovy Vary $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $147, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $114. 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 Gothenburg and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $47Karlovy Vary $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $94Karlovy Vary $88
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $22Karlovy Vary $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $213
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $169
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $130
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $107
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $79
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $138
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $129
- Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Gothenburg 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 dayGothenburg $78Karlovy Vary $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $18Karlovy Vary $13
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $38
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat: $55
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $47
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $66
- City Kayak Tour: $60
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $38
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $76
- Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $581
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $37
- Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $122
Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $241
- Best of Karlovy Vary Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $270
- Elegant Private Walking Tour With Local Guide: $305
- Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $46
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $269
- Home of Becherovka Visitor Center Guided Tour: $14
- Mineral Hot Springs Tasting and Walking Tour: $47
- Moser Glassworks Tour with Museum Entry: $17
- Private Walking Tour: $279
- Tourist Cinema Experience: $5.78
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $181
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $24Karlovy Vary $7.48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Karlovy Vary?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Karlovy Vary?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Gothenburg or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Karlovy Vary.
In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Karlovy Vary.
In October, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. Gothenburg is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
Both Karlovy Vary and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 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.