Which place is cheaper, Kotor or Karlovy Vary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Kotor?
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 Kotor can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Kotor?
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.
Kotor
A coastal town of Montenegro, Kotor is also a beautifully-preserved fortified, medieval town, featuring a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively piazzas, historic churches, and a spread of bars and restaurants throughout its historic Old Town.
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 Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $81Kotor $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Kotor is $107. 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 Kotor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $39Kotor $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $78Kotor $104
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Kotor
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Kotor? 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 Kotor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $26Kotor $9.92
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 Kotor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Kotor: $333
- Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Podgorica hotels: $297
- Podgorica Airport (TGD): Transfer to Kotor Cruise Port: $297
- Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Podgorica City: $272
- Private Transfer from Lustica to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $262
- Transfer Portonovi / Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik Old Town: $251
- Private transfer from Kotor to Dubrovnik: $240
- Private Transfer from Tivat Airport (TIV) to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): $214
- Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik City: $194
- Private Transfer from Kotor or Perast to Dubrovnik airport: $185
- Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica: $155
- Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Kotor?
Prices for flights to both Kotor 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 $26Kotor $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kotor.
- Kotor City Tour and Cooking Class : $203
- Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $226
- Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $262
- Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $306
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $12Kotor $8.92
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 Kotor
Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Blue Cave, Lady of Rocks and Mamula Speed Boat Tour : $44
- "Adriatic Adventure: Blue Cave & Islands Speedboat Tour": $46
- 1-Day Montenegro Hiking Tour to Durmitor National Park : $119
- 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave with WiFi and Drinks: $55
- 3-Hour Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks Private Speedboat Tour: $294
- Adventure park ’Lovcen’ and Njegos’s Mausoleum : $198
- All inclusive - Lovcen tour: $131
- Bay of 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour: $53
- Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour: $53
- Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour : $55
- Bike & hike tour : $82
- Bike tour - Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay: $134
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $6.54Kotor $9.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:
- Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
- Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
- Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $251
- National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $260
- Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $428
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Kotor, we can see that Kotor 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 Kotor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kotor 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 Kotor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Kotor?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Kotor, 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 Kotor?
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 Kotor in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Kotor. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.
Karlovy Vary is cooler than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary this time of the year. In the summer, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)Kotor 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Kotor in the Autumn?
Both Kotor and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Karlovy Vary is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karlovy Vary in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Kotor. Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Kotor. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)Kotor 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Kotor in the Winter?
Both Kotor and Karlovy Vary during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. In January, Karlovy Vary is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 1°C (33°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.
Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)Kotor 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Kotor in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Kotor. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
Karlovy Vary is cooler than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Kotor. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)Kotor 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kotor and Karlovy Vary
| Karlovy Vary | Kotor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 215 mm (8.5 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.