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

Should you visit Leipzig or Karlovy Vary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Leipzig 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: Leipzig or Karlovy Vary?

Leipzig

Leipzig is a city in the eastern German state of Saxony. Leipzig is Saxony's coolest city, called "The New Berlin" by many. It is a playground for nomadic young creatives, but it's also a city of enormous history, a trade-fair mecca and foundational in the eyes of music lovers due to its intrinsic connection to the lives and work of Bach, Mendelssohn, and Wagner. When it comes to art, the neo-realistic New Leipzig School has stirred up the international art world for well over 10 years.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Leipzig?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leipzig is €166, 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 Leipzig and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leipzig 91
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leipzig 182
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Leipzig and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Leipzig 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 Leipzig


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: Leipzig Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leipzig 27
    Karlovy Vary 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93
  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34

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 Leipzig or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Leipzig 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
    Leipzig 53
    Karlovy Vary 25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

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

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leipzig 36
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

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

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $21
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $217
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $20
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $44
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $44
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $24
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $19
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $631
  • From Markkleeberg: Full-Day Guided Cycling Tour by the Lakes: $48
  • Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig: $19
  • Gruseltour A Haunted Guided Tour: $18

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leipzig 26
    Karlovy Vary 6.13


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


Which is Bigger, Leipzig or Karlovy Vary?

Leipzig has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Leipzig 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 Leipzig 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 Leipzig or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Leipzig are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Leipzig for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Leipzig is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Leipzig averages around 19°C (67°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 Leipzig. Leipzig usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during summer. Leipzig gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leipzig usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Leipzig gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Leipzig during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Leipzig because of the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Leipzig often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Leipzig gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Leipzig gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Leipzig or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leipzig and Karlovy Vary. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Leipzig this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. It's quite cold in Leipzig in the winter. In January, Leipzig is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Leipzig average around 1°C (33°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Leipzig usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Leipzig gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leipzig usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Leipzig gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

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

Leipzig is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Leipzig averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Leipzig often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Leipzig gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Karlovy Vary. Leipzig gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Leipzig

Leipzig Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)