Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Heidelberg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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: Heidelberg or Karlovy Vary?
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, 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 dayHeidelberg €142Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Heidelberg is €142, 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 Heidelberg and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeidelberg €93Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeidelberg €186Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg 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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heidelberg €17Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg
Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
- Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
- Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
- Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
- Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
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: $128
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
- Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Heidelberg 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 dayHeidelberg €37Karlovy Vary €25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg
For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
- Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heidelberg €11Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Heidelberg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.
- 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
- Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
- Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
- Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
- Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
- Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
- E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
- Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
- Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
- Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
- Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
- Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373
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: $224
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
- Private Walking Tour: $227
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeidelberg €17Karlovy Vary €6.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:
- Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heidelberg and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Karlovy Vary?
Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 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 JulyHeidelberg 21°C (69°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Heidelberg or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Heidelberg is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Heidelberg usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 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 OctoberHeidelberg 12°C (54°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Heidelberg or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. Heidelberg is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 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 JanuaryHeidelberg 3°C (37°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Heidelberg or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Karlovy Vary. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Heidelberg is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Heidelberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Karlovy Vary. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 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 AprilHeidelberg 11°C (52°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Heidelberg
| Heidelberg | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.