Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Tartu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tartu 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 Tartu 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: Tartu or Karlovy Vary?
Tartu
Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, 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 dayTartu €105Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €105, 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 Tartu and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTartu €47Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTartu €94Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Tartu 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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tartu €27Karlovy Vary €24
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 Tartu or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Tartu 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 dayTartu €37Karlovy Vary €25
Typical Food Prices in Tartu
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:
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Danishes€0.76
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Lunch for Two€4.93
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Ice Cream€1.27
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Cookies€0.51
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Coffee & Cake€3.47
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tartu €16Karlovy Vary €11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu
For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Art Museum ticket€0.95
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Movie Ticket€3.47
Tours and Activities in Tartu
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.
- Around Viljandi bike tour: $27
- Charming Viljandi Walking Tour for Couples: $142
- Magical Tartu Romantic Walking Tour: $127
- Spectacular Christmas Walking Tour in Viljandi: $199
- TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR & KENNEL VISIT: $75
- European Capital of Culture 2024 - Cycling Tour: $14
- Traditional Christmas Walking Tour in Tartu: $234
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTartu €16Karlovy Vary €6.13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Tartu 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tartu or Karlovy Vary?
Tartu has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu 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 Tartu or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tartu in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Tartu is cooler than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTartu 17°C (62°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Tartu or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Tartu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Tartu usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTartu 6°C (43°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Tartu or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Karlovy Vary. The winter months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. The weather in Tartu can be very cold. Tartu is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTartu -7°C (19°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Tartu or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Karlovy Vary. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.
It's quite cold in Tartu in the spring. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTartu 5°C (41°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Tartu
| Tartu | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -7°C (19°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -6°C (20°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (29°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 11°C (53°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (25°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.