Should you visit Sochi or Karlovy Vary?
Should I visit Sochi or Karlovy Vary? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Sochi
Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is one of the southernmost major cities in Russia. It is especially busy in the summer when native Russians and international visitors alike come to enjoy the mountainous coastline and sunny beaches. Sochi is also known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic venues can still be visited today.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Sochi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $61, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $70. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Sochi and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $15. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Sochi the cost is $30 on average.
Double occupancy rooms typically run around $66 in Karlovy Vary For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
The average traveler spends about $18 per day in Sochi for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
The price of a meal in Karlovy Vary can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $23 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $9.20 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Sochi $18
Karlovy Vary $23
Local Transportation
To get around in Karlovy Vary, the average visitor spends $22 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sochi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sochi:
-
Sochi, Russia Private & Secure Airport Transfers to/from AER Airport & Sochi:
$132
-
Airport transfer:
$66
-
Private Sochi International Airport AER - Sochi City Round-Trip Transfer:
$55
-
Departure Private Transfer from Sochi City to Sochi Airport AER by Minivan:
$52
-
Departure Private Transfer from Sochi City to Sochi Airport AER by Business Car:
$52
-
Private Arrival Transfer from Sochi International Airport AER to Sochi City Center:
$28
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Sochi to Sochi International Airport (AER):
$23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Low Cost Private Transfer From Karlovy Vary International Airport to Karlovy Vary City - One Way:
$37
-
Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague:
$199
-
Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver:
$124
-
Private one way transfer from Karlovy Vary to Český Krumlov:
$418
-
Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private sightseeing daytrip with 1 Stop:
$146
Is it cheaper to fly into Sochi or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Sochi 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.
Entertainment
Sochi's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $115 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
In Karlovy Vary, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average $10 per person, per day.
Tours and Activities in Sochi
Here are a few actual costs in Sochi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
Agura Canyon and Waterfalls Private Trekking Tour from Sochi:
$225
-
Discover Olympic Sochi and Enjoy Scenic Mountainous Views on Private Tour:
$406
-
Discover the Highlights of Sochi and its Best Bird's-eye View on Private Tour:
$193
-
Discover the secrets of Sochi on the shore Excursion Private Tour:
$330
-
Highlights of Sochi Private Tour: Dacha of J.Stalin and Mount Akhun Views:
$330
-
Magic Christmas Tour in Sochi:
$764
-
Nightlife in Sochi - Private tour. Meet a Sunset at the Akhun Mountain:
$330
-
Olympic Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana Private Tour:
$177
-
Private Tour: Discover Sochi on a Private Stroll:
$93
-
Romantic tour in Kizhi Island:
$496
-
Romantic tour in Sochi:
$496
-
Sightseeing tour in Sochi:
$509
Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
-
Becherovka, Lemond, KV14, Cordial Ticket:
$8.09
-
Karlovy Vary and Moser Factory Full day Tour from Prague:
$107
-
Karlovy Vary plus Loket castle tour:
$122
-
Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour:
$168
-
Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local:
$187
-
Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local:
$187
-
A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local:
$249
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Karlovy Vary, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $5.65.
Sample the Local Flavors in Karlovy Vary
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Karlovy Vary:
-
Karlovy Vary and Krusovice Brewery Private Day Trip from Prague:
$145
-
Karlovy Vary & Krusovice Brewery Private Day Trip from Prague for up to 8 people:
$304
When comparing the travel costs between Sochi and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
Related Articles for Sochi
Related Articles for Karlovy Vary
