Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Plovdiv?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Plovdiv or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Plovdiv and Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Plovdiv or Karlovy Vary?
Plovdiv
Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria, 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 dayPlovdiv $80Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlovdiv $44Karlovy Vary $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlovdiv $88Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Plovdiv and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Plovdiv 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: Plovdiv Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Plovdiv $22Karlovy Vary $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv
Also for Plovdiv, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Varna: Private Transfer from Varna to Plovdiv: $376
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Varna: $354
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas: $262
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $190
- Private Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $160
- Sofia: Private Transfer from Sofia to Plovdiv OR vice versa: $147
- Private Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia / vice versa: $147
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Bansko: $134
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $103
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $98
- Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia: $98
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora: $87
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 Plovdiv or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Plovdiv 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 dayPlovdiv $21Karlovy Vary $26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Plovdiv $15Karlovy Vary $12
Tours and Activities in Plovdiv
For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Private Superb Buggy Adventure: $194
- 5-Day Guided Tour to Sofia, Plovdiv and Istanbul: $486
- Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv: $81
- Communist Heritage Tour- Buzludzha and The Might of the East Block Aviation: $98
- Day Tour from Plovdiv full with History, Nature & Forgotten Village Experiences: $144
- Exclusive Private Tour in the Thracian Valley from Sofia: $93
- Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $38
- From Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour: $81
- From Musala Peak Full-Day Trekking Tour: $130
- From Sofia - A Story of an Ancient State Day Tour: $95
- Full Day Eco Private Tour in Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv: $134
- Full Day Eco Private Tour in Plovdiv: $91
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlovdiv $9.57Karlovy Vary $6.54
Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:
- Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $21
- Old Town Exploring Guide Roman Ruins & Wine Tasting: $80
- Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $91
- Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $108
- From Sofia: Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Tour With Wine Tasting: $133
When comparing the travel costs between Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Plovdiv or Karlovy Vary?
Plovdiv has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Plovdiv 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.
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.