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

Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Karlovy Vary?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Izmir?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $81. 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 Izmir and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Karlovy Vary $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $294
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $196
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $185
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147

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 Izmir or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Izmir 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
    Izmir $24
    Karlovy Vary $26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Karlovy Vary $6.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152


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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Karlovy Vary?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit.

Izmir is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°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 Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Karlovy Vary.

In the autumn, Izmir is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Karlovy Vary.

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. In January, Izmir is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Izmir is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Izmir

Izmir Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)