A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sochi vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sochi or Karlovy Vary?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Karlovy Vary? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Sochi or Karlovy Vary?

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.


Which place 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 $82. 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 Sochi and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $15
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $30
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Sochi 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.

Hotels in Sochi


Hotels in Karlovy Vary


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: Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Karlovy Vary $26

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: $121
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $130

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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sochi $17
    Karlovy Vary $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sochi $114
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $67
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $92
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $114
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $169
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $169
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $211
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $226
  • Private Walking Tour: $231
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $256
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sochi -
    Karlovy Vary $6.64


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sochi and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Sochi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sochi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sochi 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 Sochi.

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


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Karlovy Vary?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Sochi 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 Sochi 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 Sochi or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Sochi during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Sochi is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 23°C (73°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Sochi usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Karlovy Vary.

Sochi is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sochi usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Karlovy Vary.

Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sochi is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sochi in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Sochi receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sochi usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Sochi is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 13°C (55°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Sochi. In April, Sochi usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Sochi

Sochi Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)