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

Should you visit Mamaia or Karlovy Vary?

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

Should I visit Mamaia or Karlovy Vary? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Mamaia or Karlovy Vary?

Mamaia

The most popular beach resort in Romania, Mamaia sits on an 8-kilometer wisp of land between Lake Siutghiol and the Black Sea. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and an aqua park, the resort area is a party-goer's destination with endless opportunities for fun in the sun and nighttime merriment.

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 Tours for Seniors to Romania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Mamaia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mamaia is $64, 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 Mamaia and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mamaia $25
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mamaia $50
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Mamaia and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Mamaia 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 Mamaia


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: Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mamaia $27
    Karlovy Vary $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mamaia

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

  • Mihail Kogalniceanu Constanta to Bucharest Driver - Private Guided Transfer : $272
  • Constanta to Bucharest Otopeni airport - private transfers: $250
  • Cernavoda to Bucharest - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $217
  • Private Transfer from Constanta to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $174

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 : $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Mamaia or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Mamaia 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
    Mamaia $22
    Karlovy Vary $26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mamaia $13
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Mamaia

For Mamaia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Day Tour: Visit Histria Winery and Ancient Citadel: $86
  • One Day Tour to Constanta (The Ancient City of Tomis): $175
  • Self-Guided Labyrinth in the Rocks Tour near Silistra: $21

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: $223
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $295
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $208
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Private Walking Tour: $226
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $253
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $91
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $352
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $167
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $167

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mamaia $12
    Karlovy Vary $6.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Mamaia

Also in Mamaia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Unveilling the Essence: Gabai Winery's Captivating Wine Tours: $43


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mamaia and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Mamaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mamaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mamaia 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 Karlovy Vary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Karlovy Vary than you might in Mamaia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mamaia Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Mamaia 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 Mamaia or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mamaia and Karlovy Vary.

In July, Mamaia is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 22°C (72°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary this time of the year. In Mamaia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mamaia usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Mamaia gets 320 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mamaia 22°C (72°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mamaia as well as Karlovy Vary.

Mamaia is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Mamaia often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Mamaia gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Mamaia gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mamaia 14°C (56°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

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

Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Mamaia can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Mamaia is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mamaia in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Mamaia usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Mamaia gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Mamaia or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Mamaia during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Mamaia is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 10°C (51°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Mamaia often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Mamaia gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mamaia 10°C (51°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Mamaia

Mamaia Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 26 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)