Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Tihany?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tihany or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tihany 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: Tihany or Karlovy Vary?
Tihany
Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTihany $44Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Tihany is $44, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $81. 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 Tihany and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTihany $19Karlovy Vary $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTihany $38Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Tihany and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Tihany 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: Tihany Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tihany $11Karlovy Vary $26
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 : $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Tihany or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Tihany 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 dayTihany $18Karlovy Vary $26
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tihany $4.82Karlovy Vary $12
Tours and Activities in Tihany
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.
- The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
- Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.43
- Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
- Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
- Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
- Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $217
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: $223
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $295
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $208
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
- Private Walking Tour: $226
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $253
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $91
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $352
- Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $167
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $167
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTihany $6.58Karlovy Vary $6.54
Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany
Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,209
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tihany and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Tihany much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tihany would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tihany 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 Tihany.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tihany Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tihany or Karlovy Vary?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Tihany 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 Tihany 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 Tihany or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Tihany are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Tihany is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around 21°C (70°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tihany. Tihany usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Tihany gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Tihany usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Tihany gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTihany 21°C (70°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Tihany or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Tihany during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Tihany is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tihany averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Tihany often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Tihany gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Tihany usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Tihany gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTihany 12°C (53°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Tihany or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tihany and Karlovy Vary.
Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Tihany can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tihany is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tihany in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
Tihany usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during winter. Tihany gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tihany usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Tihany gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTihany -1°C (31°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Tihany or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tihany as well as Karlovy Vary.
In April, Tihany is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around 12°C (53°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Tihany often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Tihany gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Tihany usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Tihany gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTihany 12°C (53°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Tihany
| Tihany | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 27 mm (1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°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.