Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Potsdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Potsdam 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 Potsdam and Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Potsdam or Karlovy Vary?
Potsdam
Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!
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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPotsdam €111Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Potsdam is €111, 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 Potsdam and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPotsdam €60Karlovy Vary €36
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPotsdam €120Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Potsdam 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: Potsdam Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Potsdam €28Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:
- Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
- Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
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: $120
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Potsdam 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 dayPotsdam €31Karlovy Vary €25
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Potsdam €25Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Potsdam
Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 hours: Private Harbor and Castle Sightseeing Cruise: $364
- 4 hours Private Romantic River Boat Cruise with Wine: $620
- 4h Private Havelland Discovery Boat Cruise with Skipper: $620
- 8h: Private Potsdam Islands Sightseeing Boat Cruise: $1,358
- AbenteuerPark Adventure Climbing in the Trees: $31
- Babelsberg Park Walking Tour: $152
- Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $502
- Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $257
- City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $27
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: $167
- 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: $223
- 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 dayPotsdam €6.70Karlovy Vary €6.13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Potsdam and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Potsdam 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 Potsdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Potsdam 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 Potsdam Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Karlovy Vary?
Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam 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 Potsdam 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 Potsdam or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Potsdam during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 19°C (66°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Potsdam. In the summer, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Potsdam usually gets less rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPotsdam 19°C (66°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Karlovy Vary. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.
Potsdam is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPotsdam 10°C (51°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. In the winter, Potsdam is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Potsdam usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPotsdam -0°C (31°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
Both Karlovy Vary and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Potsdam is generally cooler than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 9°C (48°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPotsdam 9°C (48°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Potsdam
| Potsdam | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (65°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.