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

Should you visit Pecs 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 Pecs 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: Pecs or Karlovy Vary?

Pecs

Located in southwest Hungary, Pecs is a pleasant university town with a history that dates back to Roman times - a history evident in its ancient architecture. Some of the most sought after sites include the Early Christian Necropolis, the Mosque of Pasha Quasim, and the Cathedral of Pecs.

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 Hungary, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Pecs?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pecs is $80, 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 Pecs and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pecs $37
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pecs $74
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Pecs and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Pecs 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 Pecs


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: Pecs Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pecs $17
    Karlovy Vary $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pecs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pecs:

  • Pécs - Budapest Transfer: $149

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 : $65
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $119
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Pecs or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Pecs 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
    Pecs $29
    Karlovy Vary $26
Typical Food Prices in Pecs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pecs:


  • Dinner for Two
    $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pecs $17
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Pecs

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

  • Mineral Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.34

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $62
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $90
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • 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
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $208
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $222
  • Private Walking Tour: $226
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $252
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $294
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $351

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pecs $8.30
    Karlovy Vary $6.54


When comparing the travel costs between Pecs 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.

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


Which is Bigger, Pecs or Karlovy Vary?

Pecs has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Pecs 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 Pecs or Karlovy Vary?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pecs or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Pecs during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Pecs is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pecs in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pecs. In the summer, Pecs often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Pecs gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Pecs usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Karlovy Vary. Pecs gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pecs 22°C (71°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Pecs or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pecs and Karlovy Vary.

In October, Pecs is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Pecs average around 13°C (56°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Pecs usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Pecs gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pecs usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Pecs gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pecs 13°C (56°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Pecs or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pecs as well as Karlovy Vary.

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Pecs can be very cold during winter. Pecs is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Pecs averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Pecs often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Pecs gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Pecs usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Karlovy Vary. Pecs gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pecs 0°C (32°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Pecs or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Pecs is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pecs in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Pecs usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Pecs gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pecs usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Pecs gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pecs 12°C (54°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Pecs

Pecs Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)