Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Karlovy Vary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Quepos?
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 Quepos can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Quepos?
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.
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
-
Karlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic PricesQuepos Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $115Quepos $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $115, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $139. 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 Quepos in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $45Quepos $76
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $90Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Quepos
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Quepos? 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 Quepos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $30Quepos $9.55
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: $141
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $131
- Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $167
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Quepos?
Prices for flights to both Quepos 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 dayKarlovy Vary $52Quepos $51
Typical Food Prices in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$15
-
Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
- Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $13Quepos $17
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: $245
- Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $42
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $273
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $184
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $158
- 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
- 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos Mangroves – See Monkeys & Sloths: $65
- ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $93
- All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $88
- All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
- All-Inclusive Full day Waterfall Adventure: $117
- All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
- Canopy Tour From Manuel Antonio: $121
- Catamaran Adventure From Manuel Antonio: $121
- Catamaran Cruise from Manuel Antonio with Snorkeling: $98
- Chocolate Experience, Waterfall and Cultural Lunch in local home.: $135
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $7.53Quepos $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Quepos, we can see that Quepos is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Karlovy Vary is in Europe and Quepos is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Quepos?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Quepos, 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 Quepos?
Karlovy Vary has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Quepos in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Quepos. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Karlovy Vary is generally cooler than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 20°C (68°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karlovy Vary usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
Quepos receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Quepos. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)Quepos 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Quepos in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Quepos. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
Karlovy Vary is much colder than Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Quepos. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in October than Quepos. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Quepos in the Winter?
Both Quepos and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. In the winter, Karlovy Vary is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karlovy Vary in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Quepos. Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Karlovy Vary usually receives more rain than Quepos. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Quepos in the Spring?
Both Quepos and Karlovy Vary during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.
In April, Karlovy Vary is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 10°C (50°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets more rain in April than Quepos. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)Quepos 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Quepos and Karlovy Vary
| Karlovy Vary | Quepos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.