A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Cesky Krumlov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov?

Salzburg

Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague.


Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov or Salzburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salzburg is €155, while the average daily cost in Cesky Krumlov is €58. 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 Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salzburg 91
    Cesky Krumlov 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salzburg 182
    Cesky Krumlov 70
Compare Hotels in Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov

Looking for a hotel in Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov? 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 Salzburg


Hotels in Cesky Krumlov


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: Salzburg Hotel Prices and Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salzburg 19
    Cesky Krumlov 2.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Salzburg Train Station Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Salzburg Private Transfer from Salzburg Airport to City centre: $55
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $93
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Car: $108
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $93
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $90
  • Salzburg Airport SZG to Saalbach Hinterglemm Round Trip Transfer: $131
  • Salzburg Airport SZG to Kitzbühel Arrival Private Transfer: $147
  • Salzburg Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
  • Salzburg Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Salzburg Airport (SZG) to SkiWelt - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Private transfer: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport (SZG): $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cesky Krumlov

Also for Cesky Krumlov, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $122
  • Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov?

Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg 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
    Salzburg 41
    Cesky Krumlov 20
Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:


  • Lunch Salad
    9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

  • Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch: $59
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $60
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $81
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $83
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $83
  • Dinner Cooking Class and Music: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $85
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $86
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $94
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $106
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $111
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salzburg 30
    Cesky Krumlov 6.12

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Private Salzburg City Highlights Tour: $272
  • 3 hour private walking tour - Salzburg: $176
  • 3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour: $240
  • 3D Exclusive VR-Tour: $321
  • 3D Unique VR-Tour: $29
  • A day in the life of Salzburg - Private tour with a local: $230
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • Amphibious Splash Tour on the Water and on the Land in Salzburg: $45
  • Austrian Lakes and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna: $1,123
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with Amphibious Splash Tour: $94
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with River Cruise: $71
  • Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $163

Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov

For Cesky Krumlov, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Český Krumlov Free Tour: $20
  • Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $60
  • 2,5h Chateau Collections and Tower Tour with Coffee & Dessert: $71
  • Český Krumlov Private Walking Tour: $85
  • Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $85
  • Český Krumlov 20th century tour: $85
  • Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $93
  • Enchanting Český Krumlov Walking Tour: Echoes of the Past: $95
  • Touristic highlights of Český Krumlov on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Walking private guided tour in Cesky Krumlov with local certified guide: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salzburg 26
    Cesky Krumlov 3.15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:


  • Beer
    3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

  • Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
  • Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $36
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $185


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Cesky Krumlov much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cesky Krumlov would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cesky Krumlov 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg than you might in Cesky Krumlov.

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


Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov, 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 Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov?

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 Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Cesky Krumlov, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salzburg. In the summer, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 227 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cesky Krumlov. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In October, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cesky Krumlov. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Cesky Krumlov. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cesky Krumlov can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. Salzburg is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 44 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cesky Krumlov. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cesky Krumlov. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg

Salzburg Cesky Krumlov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)