Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Karlovy Vary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Rijeka?
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 Rijeka can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Rijeka?
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.
Rijeka
Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.
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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $81Rijeka $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is $101. 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 Rijeka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $39Rijeka $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $78Rijeka $108
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Rijeka
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $26Rijeka $17
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Rijeka?
Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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 $26Rijeka $36
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $12Rijeka $9.48
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 Rijeka
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:
- Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
- From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
- Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
- Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
- Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
- History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
- Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
- Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
- Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $6.54Rijeka $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Rijeka, we can see that Rijeka 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 Rijeka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rijeka 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 Rijeka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Rijeka?
Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?
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 Rijeka in the Summer?
Both Rijeka and Karlovy Vary during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.
In July, Karlovy Vary is generally cooler than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 20°C (68°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Rijeka, 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 Rijeka. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)Rijeka 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Rijeka in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Rijeka. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Karlovy Vary is cooler than Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)Rijeka 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Rijeka in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Rijeka. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. In the winter, Karlovy Vary is much colder than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karlovy Vary in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In the winter, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)Rijeka 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Rijeka in the Spring?
Both Rijeka and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Karlovy Vary is generally cooler than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 10°C (50°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)Rijeka 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Rijeka and Karlovy Vary
| Karlovy Vary | Rijeka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.