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

Should you visit Kosice or Karlovy Vary?

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 Kosice and Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kosice or Karlovy Vary?

Kosice

Founded in the 13th century, Kosice today is the second largest city in Slovakia featuring churches, cathedrals, and fortifications which speak to its roots as a center of activity during the Middle Ages. Some of its top attractions include the city's historical center, Singing Fountain, and Cathedral of Saint Elizabeth.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Slovakia, The Best Adventure Tours to Slovakia, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Kosice?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kosice is €137, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €75. 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 Kosice and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kosice 73
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kosice 146
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Kosice and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Kosice 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.

Hotels in Kosice


Hotels in Karlovy Vary


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: Kosice Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kosice 29
    Karlovy Vary 24

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: $130
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $121
  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Kosice or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Kosice 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
    Kosice 42
    Karlovy Vary 24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kosice 24
    Karlovy Vary 11

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: $226
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $114
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $210
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $67
  • Private Walking Tour: $231
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $256
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $92
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $169
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kosice 23
    Karlovy Vary 6.11


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


Which is Bigger, Kosice or Karlovy Vary?

Kosice has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Kosice 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.


When is the best time to visit Kosice or Karlovy Vary?

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 Kosice or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Kosice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Kosice is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Kosice averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kosice. Kosice usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Kosice gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kosice usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Kosice gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kosice 21°C (69°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Kosice or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Kosice during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Kosice is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kosice in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Kosice often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Kosice gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Kosice usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Kosice gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kosice 11°C (52°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kosice or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kosice and Karlovy Vary.

Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kosice. In January, Kosice is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Kosice average around -2°C (28°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Kosice usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during winter. Kosice gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kosice usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Kosice gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kosice -2°C (28°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Kosice or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kosice as well as Karlovy Vary.

Kosice is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Kosice averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Kosice often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Kosice gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Kosice usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Kosice gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kosice 11°C (52°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Kosice

Kosice Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 32 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)