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

Should you visit Murren or Karlovy Vary?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Murren and Karlovy Vary can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Murren or Karlovy Vary?

Murren

Murren (or Muerren) is a fairly expensive destination, as it's a small town in a very popular area for travelers in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. The town sits up on the side of the mountain above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and is mostly car free. Getting here involves a ride on a gondola and cog-rail. The main activities in Murren are skiing in winter and outdoor activities in the summer, all of which tend to be a bit pricey. However, the price is well warranted according to most visitors, as the mountain scenery is top notch, the food is excellent, and the activities are world-class.

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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Murren?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Murren is $407, 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 Murren and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Murren $217
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Murren $434
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Murren and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Murren 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 Murren


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: Murren Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Murren $50
    Karlovy Vary $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Murren or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Murren 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
    Murren $150
    Karlovy Vary $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Murren

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Murren.

  • Sunset hike with outdoor Cheese Fondue dinner: $167

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Murren $59
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Murren

Here are a few actual costs in Murren for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Speedriding Tandem Experience in Switzerland: $279
  • Sledding adventure with Chocolate degustation: $129
  • Swiss countryside tour in free-cars town: $123

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • 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
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
  • Private Walking Tour: $227
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Murren $19
    Karlovy Vary $6.54


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


Which is Bigger, Murren or Karlovy Vary?

Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Murren 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.