Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Kos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kos or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Karlovy Vary can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Kos or Karlovy Vary?
Kos
Kos is a Greek island and third largest island of the Dodecanese group, located near the Turkish coast in the southeast Aegean Sea. It is best known for its beautiful sandy beaches, which make it a popular tourist destination, as well as its ancient Greek and Roman landmarks.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKos €134Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €76. 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 Kos and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKos €62Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKos €124Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Kos and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Kos or Karlovy Vary? 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: Kos Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kos €37Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos
Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kos transfer services, Kos - Airport - Kos: $107
- Private arrival Transfer from Kos Airport to any resort in the island: $84
- Departure transfer to Kos Airport : $68
- Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $64
- Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
- Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $59
- Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $59
- From Kalymnos Self-Guided Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $59
- Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Kos Private Transfer Services: $52
- Private Transfer from Kos Airport to Resorts: $30
- Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Kos 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 dayKos €43Karlovy Vary €25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos
For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
- Kefalos Sunset Cruise from Kos with Dinner: $61
- Sunset Cruise with Swimming and BBQ Dinner: $62
- Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $65
- Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $86
- Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $90
- Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $95
- Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $97
- Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $117
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kos €33Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Kos
For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $29
- From Boat Tour to the Volcanic Island of Nisyros: $37
- From Cruise to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati with Lunch: $41
- From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $32
- From Nissyros guided island tour and volcano: $57
- From Pserimos Island Snorkeling Cruise by Diving Boat: $53
- From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
- From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $32
- Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos: $38
- Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup: $33
- Full-Day 3 Island Cruise Tour in Kos Island: $37
- Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKos €19Karlovy Vary €6.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:
- Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $59
- From Tour of 2 Wineries with Wine Tasting & Small Bites: $63
- Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kos and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Kos 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 Kos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kos 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 Kos Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kos or Karlovy Vary?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Karlovy Vary, 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.
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.