Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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: Helsinki or Karlovy Vary?
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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 Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, 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 dayHelsinki €139Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, 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 Helsinki and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $738
- Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
- Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
- VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $152
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $144
- Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $139
- VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $136
- Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $134
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129
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 Helsinki or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €34Karlovy Vary €25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $106
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
- 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $235
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
- Adventure Day: $44
- All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,043
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $106
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
- Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
- E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
- First Time in Helsinki Tour: $332
- From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $139
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 dayHelsinki €16Karlovy Vary €6.13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Helsinki 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Karlovy Vary?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 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 JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Helsinki is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 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 OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
Both Karlovy Vary and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 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 AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.