Which place is cheaper, Budva or Karlovy Vary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Budva?
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 Budva can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Budva?
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.
Budva
A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $81Budva $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Budva is $97. 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 Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $39Budva $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $78Budva $78
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Budva? 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 Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $26Budva $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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
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Daily Car Rental$70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- Taxi Transfer Budva to Tirana: $294
- Private Transfer from Budva to Dubrovnik: $272
- Private Transfer from Budva or Becici to Dubrovnik airport: $240
- Private Transfer from Sveti Stefan to Dubrovnik airport: $218
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $179
- Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $139
- Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $117
- Tivat to Budva one way transfer: $102
- Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $82
- Montenegro Airport Transfer: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva 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 $26Budva $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Budva.
- Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $12Budva $24
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
Tours and Activities in Budva
Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
- Blue Cave Tour on Kayaks in Montenegro: $82
- Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66
- Budva Bay Boat Tour - Exploring Budva With A Local: $70
- Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
- Budva old town private tour: $172
- Budva private day tour from Kotor: $310
- Budva/Petrovac: Premium Paragliding Experience: $107
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
- City Private Tour: $126
- Exploring Caves & Private Boat Tour: $70
- Hidden paradise tour with snorkeling and lunch: $214
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $6.54Budva $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Budva, we can see that Budva 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 Budva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budva 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 Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Budva?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Budva, 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.
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.