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

Should you visit Villach or Karlovy Vary?

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

Should I visit Villach 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: Villach or Karlovy Vary?

Villach

Located on the Drava River in the Austrian province of Carinthia, near the Italian and Slovenian borders, the city of Villach is known as a gateway to nearby lakes Faak and Ossiach, as well as the Villach Alps. Hiking and water sports are common in the surrounding area, as well as historic sight-seeing and enjoying the picturesque town center called Altstadt.

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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Villach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Villach is €116, 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 Villach and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Villach 69
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Villach 138
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Villach and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Villach 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 Villach


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: Villach Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Villach 18
    Karlovy Vary 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Villach or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Villach 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
    Villach 35
    Karlovy Vary 25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Villach 15
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Villach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Villach are as follows:

  • Villach Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $250
  • Magic Christmas Tour: $769
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Villach 14
    Karlovy Vary 6.13


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


Which is Bigger, Villach or Karlovy Vary?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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 Villach 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 Villach or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Villach as well as Karlovy Vary. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

In the summer, Villach is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Villach in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karlovy Vary. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Villach this time of the year. In the summer, Villach often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Villach 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
    Villach 24°C (75°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Villach or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Villach is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 16°C (60°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Villach usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Villach 16°C (60°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Villach or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Villach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Villach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Villach is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Villach often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Villach 5°C (41°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Villach or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Villach is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Villach in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Villach usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Villach 13°C (56°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Villach

Villach Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)