Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Prague?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Prague 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 Prague 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: Prague or Karlovy Vary?
Prague
Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is also the largest city in the country and one of the largest cities in Central Europe. Prague has long enticed travelers for its beautiful architecture, impressive bridges, detailed cathedrals, and fascinating history. Prague is unique in that is remained almost completely undamaged during World War II. The medieval city center still feels like you've stepped back in time. Despite this historic atmosphere, there is still a lot of vibrant energy and you'll find many different live music venues, art galleries, modern restaurants, and unique festivals throughout the year.
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 Budget Tours to Czech Republic, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Prague.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPrague $109Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Prague is $109, 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 Prague and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPrague $67Karlovy Vary $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPrague $134Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Prague and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Prague 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: Prague Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Prague $8.08Karlovy Vary $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Prague
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:
- Private transfer from Prague to Budapest: $1,054
- Private transfer from Prague to Munich: $692
- Private transfer from Prague to Vienna: $628
- Private transfer from Prague to Vilshofen: $585
- Airport Transfer Beer Party Bus with Unlimited Beer: $584
- Private sightseeing transfer Prague - Vienna: $420
- Luxury transfer from Prague to Česky Krumlov: $311
- Private Transfer from Prague to Salzburg with 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $299
- Prague to Munich - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $299
- Scenic Transfer from Prague to Munich with 2h stop in Plzen Beer Factory: $299
- Private Transfer from Prague to Salzburg with local English-speaking driver: $288
- 1-way Prague to Dresden - private transfer - Mercedes Benz - up to 7 passengers: $283
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 Prague or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Prague 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 dayPrague $26Karlovy Vary $26
Typical Food Prices in Prague
Some typical examples of dining costs in Prague are as follows:
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Fruit$4.20
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Lunch for One$13
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Bananas$0.59
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Cookies$0.33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prague
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prague.
- Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $17
- Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $21
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Prague with Set Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $46
- Vltava River Evening Dinner Cruise: $53
- Folkloric Dinner Show with Unlimited Drinks: $56
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Transfers: $57
- River Cruise with Dinner and Live Music: $57
- Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks: $59
- Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances: $60
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Prague $16Karlovy Vary $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:
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Opera Tickets$4.20
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Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower$5.88
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Image Theatre for Two$40
Tours and Activities in Prague
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Prague are as follows:
- City Tour with Prague Castle with Live guide: $44
- Live Virtual Tour of Prague: $57
- Private live-guided E-Scooter TOURS around Prague : $57
- The Private Prague All Inclusive Tour: $267
- 1 hour Old timer Convertible Prague Sightseeing Tour: $136
- 1 hour Prague Panoramic Vltava River sightseeing Cruise: $17
- 1–Hour Vintage Car Tour: $128
- 1,5 hour oldtimer convertible Prague sightseeing tour: $163
- 1-Hour Introductory Tour of Prague Castle With Fast-GET Admission Ticket: $42
- 1.5 Hour SEGWAY Tour of Prague: $63
- 2 Countries Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland tour from Prague: $169
- 2 Hours Guided Prague Behind The Iron Curtain Communism Tour: $24
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPrague $11Karlovy Vary $6.54
Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:
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A Bottle of Wine$6.68
Sample the Local Flavors in Prague
Also in Prague, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Staropramem Brewery Self-Guided Tour with Tasting: $13
- Clock Tower Bar Crawl with Drinks and Shots: $23
- 1 Hour Exclusive Moravian Wine Tasting in an Art Gallery : $28
- Pub Crawl in Prague: $32
- Pub Crawl and International Party: $34
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Entry: $34
- Pub Crawl with 2-Hour Open Bar at Drunken Monkey: $35
- Golden Burlesque Show & Live Music w/ Lady & The Devil: $36
- Drunken Monkey Pub Crawl: $36
- Golden BURLESQUE: $41
- Prague beer tour with brewery visit and tasting: $46
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Prague: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Prague and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Prague 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 Prague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Prague 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 Prague Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Prague or Karlovy Vary?
Prague has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Prague 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 Prague 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 Prague or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Prague as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Prague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Prague is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Prague average around 19°C (66°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karlovy Vary. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Prague this time of the year. In the summer, Prague often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Prague gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Prague usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Prague gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPrague 19°C (66°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Prague or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Prague are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Prague in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Prague is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Prague averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Prague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during autumn. Prague gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Prague usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPrague 11°C (52°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Prague or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Prague during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Prague for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Prague can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Prague is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Prague in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Prague often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Prague gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Prague usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPrague 1°C (33°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Prague or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Prague and Karlovy Vary. The spring months attract visitors to Prague because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Prague is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Prague average around 10°C (49°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Prague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during spring. Prague gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Prague usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Prague gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPrague 10°C (49°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Prague
| Prague | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.