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

Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Oslo?

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

Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Oslo?

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo is $136. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karlovy Vary $39
    Oslo $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karlovy Vary $78
    Oslo $162
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Oslo $23

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $6.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Oslo Airport (OSL): Private Transfer to Oslo Cruise Port: $486
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport to Kvitfjell Round Trip Private Transfer: $295
  • Private Transfer Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hemsedal: $295
  • Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $255
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van: $238
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $229
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $228
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $214
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo city centre to Oslo airport: $204
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport (OSL) to Trysil - Arrival Private Transfer: $187
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hafjell- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
    Oslo $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $12
    Oslo $19

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 Oslo

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

  • 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo: $94
  • 2-Hour Private Tour in Oslo, Norway: $197
  • 2.hr Oslo Kayak Tour “Fjord City”: $91
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $214
  • 3- Hour Kayak Tour on the Oslofjord: $108
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $48
  • 4 hours Winter View of the Oslofjord Walk Tour : $148
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
  • Akerselva River Kayak Tour; An Urban Paddling Adventure: $91
  • Akerselva River Tour : $94
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Authentic Oslo bike tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karlovy Vary $6.54
    Oslo $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Karlovy Vary during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Karlovy Vary is a little warmer than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. In the summer, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Oslo. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Karlovy Vary is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karlovy Vary in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Karlovy Vary usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Oslo. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Oslo. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Karlovy Vary is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 1°C (33°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Karlovy Vary often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.

Karlovy Vary is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during spring. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives more rain than Oslo. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)