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

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Should you visit Moscow 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 Moscow 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: Moscow or Karlovy Vary?

Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Moscow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $66, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $70. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Moscow and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $41
    Karlovy Vary $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $82
    Karlovy Vary $68
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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 Moscow


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: Moscow Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.40
    Karlovy Vary $23
Typical Local Transportation prices in Moscow

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

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

  • Private Tour to Russia's Largest Aviation Museum (with roundtrip train transfer): $398
  • The Kremlin & Cathedrals Private Tour (with roundtrip transfer): $299
  • Transfer from Moscow to the Golden Ring (Ideal for Backpackers On a Shoestring!): $167
  • Yellow Drive - Vnukovo - Moscow - Vnukovo Transfers: $157
  • Sergiev Posad private tour with transfer from Moscow: $143
  • Yellow Drive - Domodedovo Airport Transfers: $135
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Domodedovo Airport DME in Luxury Car: $134
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Sheremetyevo Airport SVO in Luxury Car: $133
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Vnukovo Airport VKO to Moscow City in Luxury Car: $133
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Vnukovo Airport VKO in Luxury Car: $126
  • Moscow Airport Transfers : Moscow City to Domodedovo Airport DME in Business Car: $125
  • Arrival Private Transfer Moscow Domodedovo DME to Moscow City by Luxury Car: $124

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 sightseeing daytrip with 1 Stop: $146
  • Private one way transfer from Karlovy Vary to Český Krumlov: $418
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $124
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: $199
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Karlovy Vary International Airport to Karlovy Vary City - One Way: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Moscow 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
    Moscow $15
    Karlovy Vary $23
Typical Food prices in Moscow

For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $7.78
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $4.24
  • Breakfast for 2
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moscow

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

  • Virtual Home Cooking with Russian Family: $22
  • Moscow Food Tour: $67
  • An evening at the monastery with dinner: $80
  • An Evening at the Monastery with Dinner: $85
  • Traditional Russian Cooking Class and Meal in Moscow with a Friendly Local: $91
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Russian Cooking Class in Moscow: $101
  • Food Tour: $102
  • Traditional Russian Cooking Class and Meal in a Local Home in Moscow: $117
  • Traditional French-Russian Dinner in a Local's Home: $118
  • Moscow Metro and Russian Dinner Private tour: $127
  • Moscow River Cruise with Dinner and Lively Firework with a Private Guide: $133
  • Private food tour: Russian culinary culture: $144

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moscow $17
    Karlovy Vary $10
Typical Entertainment prices in Moscow

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Theater Tickets
    $16
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $14

Tours and Activities in Moscow

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

  • "Moscow Versailles" Kuskovo estate Private Tour: $249
  • 'Communist Moscow' walking tour: $240
  • 1 Day City Tour in Moscow city: $300
  • 1-Day Tour of Moscow: $367
  • 1-day Moscow Tour (Top sights: Kremlin, Red Square, Arbat street, etc.): $357
  • 1-day Tour to Saint-Petersburg from Moscow (Hermitage Museum and Peterhof): $709
  • 1-day Tour to Saint-Petersburg from Moscow (Hermitage Museum and sights tour): $840
  • 1-hour scenic Moscow River Cruise: $18
  • 10-Day Climbing Tour to Elbrus Mountain the Highest in Europe: $1,649
  • 12-Day River Cruise on a 3-Star Ship from Moscow: $2,373
  • 14-Day River Cruise along the Volga from Moscow to Astrakhan: $3,029
  • 15-Day Altai Mountains Horse Riding Tour from Moscow: $2,201

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: $249
  • Becherovka, Lemond, KV14, Cordial Ticket: $8.09
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour: $168
  • Karlovy Vary and Moser Factory Full day Tour from Prague: $107
  • Karlovy Vary plus Loket castle tour: $122
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $187
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moscow $8.22
    Karlovy Vary $5.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Moscow

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Moscow:

  • Pub Crawl by Soviet Van: $76
  • Pub Crawl Moscow Guided Tour in Classic Soviet Van: $79
  • Private Wine Tour in Moscow with History, Architecture and Friendly Local Guide: $121

Sample the Local Flavors in Karlovy Vary

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Karlovy Vary:

  • Karlovy Vary and Krusovice Brewery Private Day Trip from Prague: $145
  • Karlovy Vary & Krusovice Brewery Private Day Trip from Prague for up to 8 people: $304

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Moscow and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


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

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

Moscow is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The temperature in Moscow is usually 19°C (67°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary stays around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Moscow or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October are around 6°C (43°F), and Karlovy Vary is about 11°C (51°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

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

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Moscow can be very cold during winter. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Karlovy Vary stays around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

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

Moscow is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The temperature in Moscow is usually 7°C (45°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary stays around 10°C (50°F).

Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Moscow

Moscow Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)


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Moscow vs. Karlovy Vary Travel Comparison

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