Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Turku?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Turku or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku or Karlovy Vary, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Turku or Karlovy Vary?
Turku
Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Finland, 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 dayTurku €136Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €136, 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 Turku and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTurku €76Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTurku €152Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Turku and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Turku 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: Turku Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Turku €44Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku
Also for Turku, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $2,112
- Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $73
- Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $73
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 Turku or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Turku 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 dayTurku €32Karlovy Vary €25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Turku €22Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Turku
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Turku.
- Archipelago tour with Soling sailboat: $310
- Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $131
- Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $523
- Turku Archipelago: Sea Kayaking Day Tour: $133
- Turku Christmas Delights Walking Tour: $766
- Turku Enchanting Romantic Walking Tour: $659
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 dayTurku €12Karlovy Vary €6.13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Turku and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Turku 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 Turku would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Turku 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 Turku Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Turku or Karlovy Vary?
Turku has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku 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 Turku or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Turku is generally cooler than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 16°C (61°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 Turku. Turku usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Turku usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 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 JulyTurku 16°C (61°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Turku or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Turku during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Turku is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Turku often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Turku usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 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 OctoberTurku 6°C (43°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Turku or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Karlovy Vary.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. It's quite cold in Turku in the winter. In the winter, Turku is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Turku in January average around -6°C (20°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
Turku usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Turku usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 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 JanuaryTurku -6°C (20°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Turku or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Turku as well as Karlovy Vary.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Turku. In April, Turku is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 3°C (37°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Turku often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Turku usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 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 AprilTurku 3°C (37°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Turku
| Turku | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (20°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (58°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (51°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (25°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.