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

Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Tromso?

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

Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Tromso?

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.

Tromso

The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso is $112. 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 Tromso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karlovy Vary $39
    Tromso $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karlovy Vary $78
    Tromso $110
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Tromso

Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Tromso? 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 Tromso


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 Tromso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Tromso $29

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 Tromso

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

  • Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $93
  • Private Airport and City Transfer in Tromso: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Tromso?

Prices for flights to both Tromso 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
    Tromso $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

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

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $167
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $173
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $186
  • Fjord Cruise Expedition with Dinner,Tromso: $206
  • Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner: $250
  • Aurora Borealis Cruise with Dinner in Tromso: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $12
    Tromso $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: $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 Tromso

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.

  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $74
  • Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran : $135
  • Arctic Landscapes Hiking Tour - Sightseeing & Snowshoeing, Tromsø: $164
  • Arctic Nature Photography Sightseeing Tour from Tromso: $131
  • Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus: $131
  • Arctic Wildlife and Fjord Sightseeing: $206
  • Aurora Adventure Tour with Creative Vacations: $224
  • Aurora Cuisine Cruise: $158
  • Aurora Hunt Tour with Citizen Science from Tromso - Professional Photos Included: $243
  • Brews and Views City Walking Tour in Tromsø with Beer Tasting: $167
  • Discovery tour of the island of Senja and Kvaløya from Tromsø: $262
  • Exclusive Reindeers Experience in small groups, Tromso: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karlovy Vary $6.54
    Tromso $8.36


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


Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Tromso?

Tromso has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Karlovy Vary is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 20°C (68°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Tromso. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karlovy Vary. Karlovy Vary usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso during summer. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Tromso. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F) 
    Tromso 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Karlovy Vary during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during autumn. Karlovy Vary is much warmer than Tromso in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Karlovy Vary often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F) 
    Tromso 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Tromso. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Tromso because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Karlovy Vary is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karlovy Vary in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Tromso averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Karlovy Vary usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Tromso. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Tromso. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the spring. In April, Karlovy Vary is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 10°C (50°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Karlovy Vary often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F) 
    Tromso 1°C (33°F)

Typical Weather for Tromso and Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary Tromso
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (31°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) -3°C (27°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)