Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Sigulda?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sigulda 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 Sigulda and Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Sigulda or Karlovy Vary?
Sigulda
Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.
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 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 daySigulda €24Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, 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 Sigulda and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSigulda €16Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSigulda €32Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Sigulda 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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sigulda -Karlovy Vary €24
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 : $66
- 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 Sigulda or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Sigulda 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 daySigulda €7.81Karlovy Vary €25
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:
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Pastry€1.85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sigulda -Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Sigulda
Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218
- From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
- Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
- Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
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: $168
- 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: $224
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySigulda -Karlovy Vary €6.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:
- Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sigulda and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Karlovy Vary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Karlovy Vary than you might in Sigulda.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sigulda Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Karlovy Vary?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Sigulda during the summer are popular places to visit.
Sigulda is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Sigulda usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 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 JulySigulda 17°C (63°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Karlovy Vary.
In the autumn, Sigulda is cooler than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sigulda in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In October, Sigulda usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 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 OctoberSigulda 7°C (45°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Karlovy Vary.
Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Sigulda. In January, Sigulda is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around -5°C (23°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Sigulda usually gets less rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 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 JanuarySigulda -5°C (23°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
Both Karlovy Vary and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Sigulda is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In April, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 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 AprilSigulda 5°C (42°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Sigulda
| Sigulda | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°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.