Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Karlovy Vary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Zadar?
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 Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Zadar?
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.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $81Zadar $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $39Zadar $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $78Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Zadar? 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 Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $26Zadar $10
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- Transfer Zadar - Zagreb: $741
- Transfer Zagreb - Zadar: $664
- From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
- Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
- From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
- Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
- From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
- private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
- Private transfer (Taxi) - Zadar to Split: $284
- Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
- Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $276
- Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar 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 $26Zadar $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Small Group Cooking Class: $39
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $12Zadar $20
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 Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
- Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
- Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
- Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
- 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
- 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
- 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
- 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
- Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
- Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
- Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
- Daysailing & SUP experience: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $6.54Zadar $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
- Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
- Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Zadar, we can see that Zadar 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 Zadar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zadar 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 Zadar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Zadar?
Zadar has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Zadar, 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 Zadar?
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 Zadar in the Summer?
Both Zadar and Karlovy Vary during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karlovy Vary in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).
In Zadar, 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 Zadar. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Zadar in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Zadar. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
In October, Karlovy Vary is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 11°C (51°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Zadar. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Zadar in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Zadar. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. Karlovy Vary is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.
Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Zadar in the Spring?
Both Zadar and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karlovy Vary in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Zadar. Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Zadar. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Karlovy Vary
| Karlovy Vary | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.