Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Lausanne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lausanne or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Karlovy Vary, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Lausanne or Karlovy Vary?
Lausanne
Located on Lake Geneva, Lausanne is the capital city of French-speaking region of Vaud, Switzerland. The slopes of Lake Geneva's shores are known for growing wine, while the city of Lausanne sprawls across three hills. The city is also home to the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic Museum, and lakeshore Olympic Park, as well as an old town that dates to medieval times.
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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, 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 dayLausanne $227Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Lausanne is $227, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $81. 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 Lausanne and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLausanne $136Karlovy Vary $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLausanne $272Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Lausanne and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Lausanne 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: Lausanne Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lausanne $41Karlovy Vary $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lausanne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lausanne:
- Taxi, Airport Transfer and Limousine Service in Switzerland: $233
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Évian-les-Bains: $160
- Lausanne accommodation to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Lausanne or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Lausanne 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 dayLausanne $62Karlovy Vary $26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lausanne $38Karlovy Vary $12
Tours and Activities in Lausanne
Here are a few actual costs in Lausanne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Évian-les-Bains Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $297
- (KTL303) - Winter Tour Montreux and Chaplin's World from Lausanne: $157
- Boat cruise from Lausanne to Evian: $43
- Chaplin's World Entrance Ticket: $34
- Christmas Charms of A Private Walking Tour: $724
- Fascinating Charms of Vevey – Walking Tour for Couples: $180
- From Glacier 3000 Experience Tour: $97
- From Glacier 3000 experience and Montreux: $104
- From Interlaken and Jungfrau Train Experience: $370
- From Spectacular Schilthorn with 007 Experience: $257
- From Swiss Riviera Tour: $152
- Gems of Lausanne Revealed: A Private Walking Tour: $617
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLausanne $27Karlovy Vary $6.54
Sample the Local Flavors in Lausanne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lausanne:
- Swiss cheese and charcuterie wine tasting: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lausanne and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Lausanne 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 Lausanne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lausanne 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 Lausanne Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Karlovy Vary?
Lausanne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Lausanne 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.