Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Karlovy Vary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Bologna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Karlovy Vary and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Bologna?
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.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $81Bologna $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Bologna is $170. 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 Karlovy Vary and Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $39Bologna $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $78Bologna $186
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Bologna? 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: Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $26Bologna $22
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Bologna Airport: Round Trip Transfer to Venice+Water Taxi: $1,663
- Bologna Airport(BLQ): Roundtrip Transfer to Venice p-le Roma: $1,403
- From Private Venice Day Trip with Transfer: $770
- Siena: Private Round-Trip Transfer from/to Bologna Airport: $690
- Bologna Airport (BLQ): One Way Transfer to Ravenna Port/City: $524
- Tour Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Vinegar, Wine with Transfer: $503
- Bologna:Parmesan, Prosciutto, Balsamic, Wine, Lunch&Transfer: $503
- Ferrari&Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic, Red wine with Transfer: $497
- Florence: Private Transfer from Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
- Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $390
- Bologna Airport(BLQ): 1-Way Transfer to Venice Piazzale Roma: $374
- Ravenna or Cruise Port to Murano + water taxi -RoundTrip Transfer: $300
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna and Karlovy Vary 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 dayKarlovy Vary $26Bologna $42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
- Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
- Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
- Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
- Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
- Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
- Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
- Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
- Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
- Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
- Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
- Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $12Bologna $41
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
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Food Tour (for 2)$34
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)$123
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Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)$72
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National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)$13
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Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour): $284
- 2 Hours Bologna Guided Private Tour for Kids and Families : $179
- 2-Hour Bike Tour to Discover Bologna's Squares and Monuments: $147
- 2-Hour Walking Tour Discovering the "Musical" Side of Bologna: $71
- 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $131
- 3 hours walking tour with tastings: Bologna "La Grassa": $185
- Art and taste tour: from Magnani Rocca to Parma ham: $210
- BOLOGNA FOOD WALKING TOUR (morning or evening PRIVATE tour): $207
- Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $81
- Best walking tour of Bologna: $158
- Bike Tour Bologna: $142
- Bologna - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $6.54Bologna $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
- From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
- Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
- Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
- Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
- Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
- Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
- Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
- Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
- Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Karlovy Vary Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Bologna, 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 Karlovy Vary or Bologna?
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 Karlovy Vary or Bologna in the Summer?
Both Bologna and Karlovy Vary during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.
In July, Karlovy Vary is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 20°C (68°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. In the summer, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Bologna in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Bologna. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Karlovy Vary is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Bologna. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Bologna in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Bologna. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. In the winter, Karlovy Vary is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karlovy Vary in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Bologna in the Spring?
Both Bologna and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Karlovy Vary is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 10°C (50°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Bologna. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Karlovy Vary
| Karlovy Vary | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.