Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov or Karlovy Vary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Cesky Krumlov?
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 Cesky Krumlov can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Cesky Krumlov?
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.
Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.
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 Luxury Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $81Cesky Krumlov $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Cesky Krumlov is $62. 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 Cesky Krumlov in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $39Cesky Krumlov $37
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $78Cesky Krumlov $74
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Cesky Krumlov
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Cesky Krumlov? 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 Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $26Cesky Krumlov $2.92
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 : $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cesky Krumlov
Also for Cesky Krumlov, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $156
- Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt with 2 hours for sightseeing: $147
- Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $121
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Cesky Krumlov?
Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKarlovy Vary $26Cesky Krumlov $22
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $12Cesky Krumlov $6.53
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: $223
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $295
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $208
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
- Private Walking Tour: $226
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $253
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $91
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $352
- Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $167
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $167
Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov
For Cesky Krumlov, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2h Chateau Collections and Tower Tour with Coffee & Dessert: $71
- A day in the life of Český Krumlov - Private tour with a local: $195
- Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $92
- Cesky Krumlov Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $208
- Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.52
- Cesky Krumlov Tour 4 hours : $277
- Enchanting Český Krumlov Walking Tour: Echoes of the Past: $94
- First white water experience with Tomáš Kobes: $217
- Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $85
- Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $60
- Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $167
- Touristic highlights of Český Krumlov on a Private half day tour with a local: $167
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $6.54Cesky Krumlov $3.36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Cesky Krumlov, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Cesky Krumlov much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cesky Krumlov would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cesky Krumlov 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 Karlovy Vary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Karlovy Vary than you might in Cesky Krumlov.
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 Cesky Krumlov Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Cesky Krumlov?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Cesky Krumlov, 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 Cesky Krumlov?
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 Karlovy Vary or Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Cesky Krumlov.
Karlovy Vary is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov in the summer. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cesky Krumlov this time of the year. In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karlovy Vary usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov during summer. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)Cesky Krumlov 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Cesky Krumlov.
In the autumn, Karlovy Vary is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karlovy Vary in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Karlovy Vary often gets more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 108 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cesky Krumlov. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)Cesky Krumlov 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?
Both Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Cesky Krumlov can be very cold during winter. Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Karlovy Vary is generally much warmer than Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 1°C (33°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
Karlovy Vary usually receives more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov during winter. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)Cesky Krumlov -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?
Both Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary during the spring are popular places to visit.
Karlovy Vary is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov in the spring. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the spring, Karlovy Vary often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 155 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cesky Krumlov. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)Cesky Krumlov 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary
| Karlovy Vary | Cesky Krumlov | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 93 mm (3.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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.