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

Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Split?

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

Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split 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 Split is $116. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karlovy Vary $39
    Split $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karlovy Vary $78
    Split $156
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Split

Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Split $15

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 Split

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

  • Private transfer from Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,069
  • Split/Trogir to Zagreb: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,016
  • Zagreb to Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,016
  • Private Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Stop: $735
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Zagreb: $668
  • Split Airport: Speedboat Taxi transfer to/from Hvar: $642
  • private transfer from Split airport to Novalja/Zrće: $535
  • Airport to Hvar Town Speedboat Transfer: $535
  • Split – Dubrovnik via Ston Private transfer: $441
  • Private Transfer to Krka with Driver & Optional Guide: $427
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Dubrovnik: $387
  • Private transfer (Taxi) Split to Zadar: $284

Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

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

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Walking Vegan Food Tour of Split: $104
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $12
    Split $3.96

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

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Small Group Tour with Lunch: $82
  • History tour: $33
  • SPLIT-"Emperor's City for History Lovers"/PRIVATE Walking Tour+Cellars Museum : $210
  • "Blue Lagoon" Half day Chill out tour from Split: $75
  • "Not Today" - Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour: $66
  • 2 Day Pass with Sightseeing Bus: $33
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour of Split with an Art Historian: $24
  • 2 Hours Split Walking tour with free food tasting: $33
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Split in a Classic Ford T: $45
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $87
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $86
  • 2-hours Split Segway Tour: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karlovy Vary $6.54
    Split $8.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $55
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • From Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $74


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


Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Split. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karlovy Vary in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Karlovy Vary usually receives more rain than Split. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Split. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Karlovy Vary is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 11°C (51°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Split. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in October than Split. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Split in the Winter?

Both Split 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 Split this time of year.

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Karlovy Vary is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Split. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Karlovy Vary during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karlovy Vary in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Split. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in April than Split. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)