Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see 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 dayMoscow $62Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, 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 Moscow and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Karlovy Vary $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Karlovy Vary $78
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Karlovy Vary $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Padang Panjang to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
- Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $92
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Bukit Baru: $92
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Kebun Bunga: $92
- Private Transfer from Duku to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $67
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kelurahan Sail: $67
- Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
- Private Transfer from Umban Sari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $50
- Private Transfer from Meranti Pandak to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
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: $119
- Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $65
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
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Food Meals for one dayMoscow $14Karlovy Vary $26
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Karlovy Vary $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
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: $222
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $294
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $208
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $62
- Private Walking Tour: $226
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $252
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $90
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $351
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Karlovy Vary $6.54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moscow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moscow 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 Moscow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Karlovy Vary?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 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 daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 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 average around 6°C (43°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 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. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -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 daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 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) |
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.