Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Karlovy Vary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Dubrovnik?
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.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $81Dubrovnik $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $103. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $39Dubrovnik $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $78Dubrovnik $106
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Dubrovnik
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $26Dubrovnik $13
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town$1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Zagreb - Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik - Zagreb: $1,030
- From Split or Trogir: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik City: $588
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo: $558
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Podgorica: $542
- Private Transfer to Split with Oyster Tasting: $535
- Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik - door to door: $535
- Dubrovnik to Split 1-Way Private Transfer: $451
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar: $451
- Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $428
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Budva: $391
- Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $385
- One Way Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $372
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Dubrovnik?
Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 $26Dubrovnik $35
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
- Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
- Old Town Food Tour: $143
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
- Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
- Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
- Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
- Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
- Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
- Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
- Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $12Dubrovnik $20
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)$14
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$56
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$48
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- MONTENEGRO TOUR from Dubrovnik: $104
- 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $58
- 1 Hour Shared Dubrovnik Guided Walking Tour : $26
- 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $20
- 2 Hours Dubrovnik City Walls Group Walking Tour: $49
- 2-Hour Dubrovnik Fun and Exciting Jet Ski Safari Adventure Tour: $137
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $22
- 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $108
- 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $44
- 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $85
- 4 Hours Speed Boat Group Tour of Blue Cave, Lopud, and Kolocep : $85
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $8.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $6.54Dubrovnik $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
- Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
- From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
- Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
- Interactive Wine Tour: $80
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
- Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $93
- Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Dubrovnik?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?
Both Dubrovnik and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Karlovy Vary is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 20°C (68°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In July, Karlovy Vary usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?
Both Dubrovnik and Karlovy Vary during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.
Karlovy Vary is much colder than Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Dubrovnik in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Dubrovnik. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. In the winter, Karlovy Vary is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karlovy Vary in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Dubrovnik in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Dubrovnik. Additionally, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Karlovy Vary is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 10°C (50°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Karlovy Vary
| Karlovy Vary | Dubrovnik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.