Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lucerne or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Karlovy Vary. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lucerne or Karlovy Vary?
Lucerne
Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in 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 dayLucerne $214Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, 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 Lucerne and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucerne $137Karlovy Vary $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucerne $274Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne 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: Lucerne Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucerne $13Karlovy Vary $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
- LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
- Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
- Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
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 Lucerne or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Lucerne 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 dayLucerne $62Karlovy Vary $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Swiss Alps: Traditional Swiss Fondue Cooking Class: $82
- Lake Candlelight Dinner Cruise: $141
- From Zurich: 2-Day Mt.Titlis including 4-course dinner: $547
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lucerne $34Karlovy Vary $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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1 Day Bicycle Rental$34
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The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee$35
Tours and Activities in Lucerne
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
- A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $275
- A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $534
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Luzern: $563
- Alpine Majesty:Luzern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
- Basel: Swiss Alps Glacier Express Train Ride & Lucerne Tour: $760
- Best of Lucerne Walking Photography Tour: $179
- Burgenstock Private Tour: Mt. Rigis & Lake of Lucerne Cruise: $585
- City tour plus Lucerne: $95
- Day Trip from Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure: $174
- Day Trip to Swiss Villages from Lucerne - Small Group tour by Car: $200
- Early morning tour: $213
- Exploring Lucerne with Friends: A Local Experience ❤: $159
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 dayLucerne $22Karlovy Vary $6.54
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
- 3 Hour Unique Wine Tour - Half Day in Swiss Alps: $166
- Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $273
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Karlovy Vary?
Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLucerne 21°C (70°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLucerne 13°C (56°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Lucerne can be very cold during winter. Lucerne is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLucerne 3°C (37°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Karlovy Vary. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Lucerne is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLucerne 12°C (53°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Lucerne
| Lucerne | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.