Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Karlovy Vary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Sarajevo?
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 Sarajevo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Sarajevo?
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.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $81Sarajevo $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $70. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $39Sarajevo $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $78Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Sarajevo
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $26Sarajevo $7.02
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
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Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $321
- Split Private Transfer Service: $299
- Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $299
- Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $288
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Lukavac: $271
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Doboj: $271
- Transfer from city of Sarajevo to city of Mostar: $251
- Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Kotor - Budva : $245
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Travnik: $232
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Živinice grad: $232
- Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Dubrovnik: $229
- Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $203
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Sarajevo?
Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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 $26Sarajevo $31
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $12Sarajevo $12
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 Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
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National Museum (for 2)$7.64
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Sarajevo and Mostar: $163
- 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $44
- 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $104
- Amazing Prokoško jezero - Full day Tour: $82
- Assassination Tour: $27
- BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $64
- Best of Sarajevo - Full Day All Inclusive Tour: $76
- Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Half-Day Tour from Sarajevo: $81
- Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $79
- Bijambare Cave and Spring of River Bosna Tour: $45
- Bosnia's Treasures: 7-Day Private Tour: $1,310
- Bosnian Castles Tour: Vranduk Tešanj Srebrenik from Sarajevo: $161
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $6.54Sarajevo $7.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo
Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70
When comparing the travel costs between Karlovy Vary and Sarajevo, we can see that Karlovy Vary 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 Sarajevo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Sarajevo?
Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?
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 Sarajevo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Sarajevo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karlovy Vary in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Karlovy Vary usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Sarajevo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Sarajevo. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Karlovy Vary is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 11°C (51°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Sarajevo in the Winter?
Both Sarajevo and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Karlovy Vary is much colder than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In January, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Sarajevo in the Spring?
Both Sarajevo and Karlovy Vary during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karlovy Vary in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.
Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Karlovy Vary
| Karlovy Vary | Sarajevo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 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.