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

Should you visit Stuttgart or Karlovy Vary?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart 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: Stuttgart or Karlovy Vary?

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a large city in southern Germany, notably famous for being the headquarters to some auto industry giants such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The population of the city proper is about 600,000 and there are two and half million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to the 10th century and today it is a large city that still maintains a small town vibe. The local residents are quite friendly and eager to welcome you to their city. They are also very accommodating if you do not speak German, so you can always expect a little help with translation if it is needed.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Stuttgart?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is €164, 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 Stuttgart and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stuttgart 101
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stuttgart 202
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart


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: Stuttgart Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stuttgart 25
    Karlovy Vary 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

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

  • Transfer from Stuttgart Airport to Baden-Baden: $291
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport(STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $153
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Private Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer to/from Stuttgart Airport (STR): $103
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Stuttgart or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Stuttgart 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
    Stuttgart 37
    Karlovy Vary 25
Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stuttgart 24
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

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

  • City Tour Heilbronn in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Mulled winetour before christmas in Stuttgart: $46
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Stuttgart: $71
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart City to Outletcity Metzingen: $163
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart to Outletcity Metzingen: $147
  • Private digital puzzle tour in the Stuttgart Höhenpark Killesberg: $37
  • SUP BASIC COURSE Stuttgart Neckar Stand Up Paddling / Paddling Adventure Jones Tours: $54
  • Stuttgart 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $21
  • Stuttgart City walk - Private tour: $356
  • Stuttgart Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Private Walking Tour: $227
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stuttgart 22
    Karlovy Vary 6.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

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

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Karlovy Vary?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or Karlovy Vary?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Karlovy Vary. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year.

In the summer, Stuttgart is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stuttgart in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary this time of the year. In Stuttgart, it's very sunny this time of the year. Stuttgart usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Stuttgart gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Stuttgart is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 13°C (56°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Stuttgart often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Stuttgart gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Karlovy Vary. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stuttgart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Stuttgart can get quite cold in the winter. Stuttgart is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during winter. Stuttgart gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Stuttgart during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stuttgart for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Stuttgart is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stuttgart in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Stuttgart often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Stuttgart gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets more rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Stuttgart

Stuttgart Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)