Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Porto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Porto or Karlovy Vary?
Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, 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 dayPorto €126Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Porto is €126, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €76. 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 Porto and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPorto €65Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPorto €130Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Porto and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Porto 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: Porto Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Porto €21Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto
Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Algarve: $1,069
- Private Transfer to Algarve with Stops up to 2 Cities: $909
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Lisbon: $642
- Luxury Sedan car transfer to Lisbon.: $642
- From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $627
- From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Nazaré: $583
- From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Óbidos: $583
- Transfer to Santiago Compostela: $556
- Private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto: $491
- Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stops up to 3 Cities: $481
- Porto to Braga Transfer: Explore Sameiro Sanctuary: $481
- Private Transfer to Lisbon: $455
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 Porto or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Porto 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 dayPorto €36Karlovy Vary €25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto
For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
- Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
- Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
- Bolhão Market & Codfish Tasting Food Tour: $53
- Christmas All Inclusive Dinner River Cruise with DJ on Board : $55
- Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
- Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
- 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
- Half-Day Food Tour: $68
- Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
- Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
- Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Porto €25Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Porto
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.
- 4 Hour Blissful Wave Experience at Maceda Haven: $76
- Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.61
- 1.5-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour Historic Porto: $26
- 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto Douro to Left bank: $63
- 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $80
- 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $79
- 2-Hours of Porto Sunset Segway Tour - Guided Experience: $59
- 3 Hour Porto Essential Private Tour: $49
- 3 Hour Tuk tuk Tour in Porto: $98
- 3 Hours of Private Porto Classic Tuk Tour: $261
- 3-Hour Best of Porto Segway Tour - Guided Experience: $75
- 3-Hour Cano-Rafting Tour on the Paiva River: $49
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: $298
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
- Private Walking Tour: $227
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
- 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: $168
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPorto €19Karlovy Vary €6.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Porto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:
- Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
- Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket with Wine Tasting: $8.73
- Tickets for Port Cellar Visit and Wine Tasting at Fonseca: $11
- Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
- Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
- Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
- Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
- Douro and Port Wine Tasting: $20
- Pub Crawl Porto Live night: $21
- Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
- Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
- Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porto and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Porto 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Porto or Karlovy Vary?
Porto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Porto is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 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 JulyPorto 21°C (69°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Porto or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year.
In the autumn, Porto is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 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 OctoberPorto 17°C (62°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Porto or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Porto usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 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 JanuaryPorto 10°C (50°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Porto or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Porto is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 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 AprilPorto 14°C (56°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Porto
| Porto | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 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.