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

Should you visit Stockholm or Karlovy Vary?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Karlovy Vary can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Stockholm or Karlovy Vary?

Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is made up of over 14 islands that are connected by countless bridges. Water is an integral part of the city, but so are parks and gardens. The city is covered in strategically positioned green space. Together, the water and parkland cover more than half of the city's area, giving this bustling city a breath of fresh air.

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 Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Stockholm?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $227, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $114. 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 Stockholm and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stockholm $112
    Karlovy Vary $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stockholm $224
    Karlovy Vary $88
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Stockholm 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 Stockholm


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: Stockholm Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stockholm $24
    Karlovy Vary $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • First Class Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Arlanda Airport: $291
  • First Class Airport Limousine Transfer: Arlanda Airport to Stockholm City: $291
  • Skansen Stockholm Fast-Track Tickets, Private Tour, Transfer: $273
  • Airport Transfer: Stockholm to Airport ARN by Luxury Car: $235
  • Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Arlanda Airport 1-7 Passengers: $230
  • Stockholm Airport (ARN): Transfer to Stockholm city/port: $219
  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Stockholm Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Private VIP Stockholm Cruise Port Transfer to City Center: $211
  • Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Bromma Airport 1-7 Passengers: $209
  • Airport Limousine Transfer: Bromma Airport to Stockholm City 1-7 Passengers: $209
  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Stockholm City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $205
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm City Hotels to Visby Cruise Port: $204

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $165
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $130
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Stockholm or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Stockholm 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
    Stockholm $73
    Karlovy Vary $52
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:


  • Breakfast
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

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

  • Boat Trip to Exe Ericson Mural & Pizza: $27
  • City Cruise with Fresh Pizza: $31
  • Stockholm Pizza Cruise - Explore Stockholm's Waterways: $32
  • Taysta Food Tour in Stockholm: $32
  • Swedish Fika and Pastry Food Tour in Stockholm: $94
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings -Eat like a Viking: $99
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $119
  • Food Tour: $119
  • Old Town Food Tour of 7 Locals Favorites Tastings: $123
  • Stockholm Small Group Food Tour with 7 Classic Food Tastings: $136
  • Stockholm Food Tour Dining Through Sweden’s History: $142
  • From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stockholm $29
    Karlovy Vary $13

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour: $156
  • 1-day 7h Royal Palace and Castle Tour from Stockholm: $413
  • 2 Hour Escape Room City Walk and History Experience in Stockholm: $138
  • 2-day kayaking adventure around Vaxholm in Stockholm Archipelago - self guided: $291
  • 3 Hours Guided Shopping Tour in Stockholm Thrifting Stores: $108
  • 3-Hour Private Stockholm Photography Tour of Famous Landmarks: $174
  • Audio City-Tour in Stockholm: $9.43
  • Best Stockholm Bike Tour. English, French or Spanish!: $76
  • Best of Stockholm Walking Tour-3 Hours, Small Group max 10: $74
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
  • Best of Small Group Walking Tour (Max 10, 3 Hours): $68
  • Bronze Age Landscape Remains 3h Tour from Stockholm (Private): $108

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Tourist Cinema Experience: $5.78
  • Home of Becherovka Visitor Center Guided Tour: $14
  • Moser Glassworks Tour with Museum Entry: $17
  • Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $46
  • Mineral Hot Springs Tasting and Walking Tour: $47
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $181
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $242
  • Best of Karlovy Vary Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $270
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Private Walking Tour: $279
  • Elegant Private Walking Tour With Local Guide: $305

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stockholm $30
    Karlovy Vary $7.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $26
  • The Original Pub Crawl VIP Club Access: $27
  • Stockholm's Best Pub Crawl: $37
  • Stockholm's Best Pub Crawl: $38
  • Wine tasting in Old Town Stockholm: $54
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $332
  • Private Pub Crawl, Free Shots & Club Entry: $419


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Stockholm 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 Stockholm would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stockholm 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 Stockholm Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Karlovy Vary?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Stockholm during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stockholm is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 18°C (64°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Stockholm. In the summer, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stockholm 18°C (64°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Stockholm is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stockholm 8°C (46°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Karlovy Vary. The winter months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. The weather in Stockholm can be very cold. In the winter, Stockholm is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stockholm in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Karlovy Vary. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stockholm -3°C (27°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year.

In April, Stockholm is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 5°C (41°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stockholm 5°C (41°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Stockholm

Stockholm Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)