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

Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Ljubljana?

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

Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Ljubljana?

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.

Ljubljana

Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.

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 Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana is $93. 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 Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karlovy Vary $39
    Ljubljana $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karlovy Vary $78
    Ljubljana $116
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Ljubljana? 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 Ljubljana


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 Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Ljubljana $22

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana: $524
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana to Rovinj: $492
  • Guided Truffle Hunting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $374
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Ptuj: $288
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Pohorje: $286
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Koper: $267
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Bovec: $266
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Krško: $257
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Maribor: $256
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Maribor: $254
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Piran: $246
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Ilirska Bistrica: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana 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
    Ljubljana $18

Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    $2.14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $64
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $64
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $66
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
  • Dinner in the Dark: $86
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
  • Dinner in the Dark: $106
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $128
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $12
    Ljubljana $15

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 Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    $8.57

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • Škocjan Caves, Rakov Škocjan & Marshes Tour (Slovenian underground): $152
  • 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Ljubljana: $57
  • 4 Hours Private Ljubljana Walking Tour: $164
  • 4-hour Bike Tour Ljubljana: $86
  • 8-Hour Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Waterfall Savica Tour: $87
  • Axe Throwing Experience in Ljubljana: $36
  • BEER WAY Alpine Beer Tasting & Outdoors Tour: $134
  • Best of Private tour with Ljubljana born guide: $160
  • Broken Bones Gin Experience: $37
  • City Tour of Ljubljana: $175
  • Discover the land of green gold - Private tour from Ljubljana: $279
  • E-bike tour Bled: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karlovy Vary $6.54
    Ljubljana $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    $6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Craft brewery tour and beer tasting, Tour the Brew, Tekotnik : $28
  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $83
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $93
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $97
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $191
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $217
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $261
  • Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting In Istria (private V.i.p. Tour): $263


When comparing the travel costs between Karlovy Vary and Ljubljana, we can see that Ljubljana is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Ljubljana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Karlovy Vary is cooler than Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Ljubljana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karlovy Vary. Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during summer. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In July, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F) 
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Karlovy Vary during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karlovy Vary in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Karlovy Vary often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F) 
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Ljubljana. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ljubljana can be very cold during winter. Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Karlovy Vary is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 1°C (33°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Karlovy Vary usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F) 
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Ljubljana. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Karlovy Vary is cooler than Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Karlovy Vary often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F) 
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary Ljubljana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in)