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

Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Katowice?

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 Katowice can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Katowice?

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.

Katowice

Katowice is a city east of Krakow, in the Silesian province of southern Poland. A large dome crowns the Cathedral of Christ the King, built between 1927 and 1955. The adjacent Archdiocesan Museum exhibits Silesian sacred art. The ultramodern Silesian Museum features several glass structures on the site of a former coal mine. It exhibits Polish art and chronicles the history of Upper Silesia. Historically, Katowice is a product of the 19th-century industrial boom, but it only became a city in the interwar period. After WWII, at the height of the Stalinist cult craze, the city was renamed Stalinogrod, but reverted to its old name soon after Comrade Joe died in 1953. Katowice has few significant historical monuments, but it's a major commercial and cultural center and holds sufficient attractions to make it worth a stop.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw.


Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Karlovy Vary?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Katowice is $46. 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 Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karlovy Vary $39
    Katowice $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karlovy Vary $78
    Katowice $38
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Katowice? 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 Karlovy Vary


Hotels in Katowice


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 Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Katowice $12

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 : $65
  • 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 Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $199
  • Katowice Airport: Private Transfer to or from Krakow: $186
  • Katowice Pyrzowice KTW to Krakow City Private Transfer: $129
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice 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 day
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Katowice $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Katowice

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Katowice.

  • Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $12
    Katowice $6.40

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: $167
  • 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: $223
  • 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 Katowice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katowice are as follows:

  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket: $54
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau - Skip the Line Tickets : $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $32
  • Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz Birkenau with Guide and FREE ebook: $32
  • From Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $95
  • Jasna Gora and Czestochowa Private Tour from Katowice by Car: $349
  • Katowice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $99
  • Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $160
  • Katowice Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $159
  • Katowice and Nikiszowiec: bicycle tour with guide: $42
  • Private City Tour with Stories & Viewing Points: $154
  • Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karlovy Vary $6.54
    Katowice $5.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Katowice

Also in Katowice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Tyskie Brewery Tour: $111


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Katowice, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Katowice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Katowice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Katowice 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 Katowice.

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 Katowice Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Katowice?

Katowice has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Katowice, 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 Katowice?

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 Katowice in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Karlovy Vary is around the same temperature as Katowice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karlovy Vary in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Katowice averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Katowice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. In the summer, Karlovy Vary often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun.

Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in July than Katowice. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F) 
    Katowice 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Katowice in the Autumn?

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

In October, Karlovy Vary is generally around the same temperature as Katowice. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 11°C (51°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Karlovy Vary usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice during autumn. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives more rain than Katowice. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F) 
    Katowice 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Katowice in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Katowice. It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. Karlovy Vary is much warmer than Katowice in the winter. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Katowice fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Karlovy Vary often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun.

Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in January than Katowice. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Katowice in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Karlovy Vary is a little warmer than Katowice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karlovy Vary in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Katowice averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Karlovy Vary usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice during spring. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives around the same amount of rain as Katowice. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F) 
    Katowice 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Katowice and Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)