Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Vilnius?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vilnius or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Karlovy Vary. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Vilnius or Karlovy Vary?
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital and largest city in the country of Lithuania. It has a population of more than 500,000 residents and is located in the valley between the Neris River and the Vilnia River in the southeastern part of the country. Visitors come to the city for its beautiful Old Town, impressive architecture, and fascinating culture. In 2009 it was named the European Capital of Culture along with the city of Linz, in Austria.
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 Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, 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 dayVilnius €94Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Vilnius is €94, 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 Vilnius and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVilnius €42Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVilnius €84Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Vilnius 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: Vilnius Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vilnius €8.30Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:
- Riga / Tallinn / Vilnius. Transfer Between Baltic States: $641
- From Druskininkai & Grutas Park Tour with Transfer: $513
- Jewish Heritage Sites Private Tour with Transfer: $214
- Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfer: $214
- Transfer from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius: $214
- Private Transfer from Vilnius Airport to Lithuania: $142
- Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $53
- Vilnius Airport Transfer: $51
- Vilnius Airport (VNO): Bus Transfer to/from Gdansk: $51
- Arrival Transfer from Vilnius VNO Airport to Vilnius by Minivan: $46
- Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Warsaw: $35
- Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer: $27
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 Vilnius or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Vilnius 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 dayVilnius €40Karlovy Vary €25
Typical Food Prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:
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Dinner for Two€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.
- Private National Dinner with Folk Show: $60
- Dinner in local family: $74
- Flavors of Vilnius - Private Walking Food Tour: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vilnius €9.72Karlovy Vary €11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:
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Walking Tour€5.79
Tours and Activities in Vilnius
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:
- “Ghostly Tales of Vilnius” Walking Tour: $86
- "Ghostly Tales of Vilnius" Walking Tour: $170
- (Post) Soviet Vilnius Private Walking Tour: $107
- 1-Day Pilgrim Tour from Vilnius: $385
- Automuseum Entry Ticket: $21
- Automuseum Entry Ticket: $21
- Bachelorette Party Adventure's Organization: $33
- Bike Tour of Vilnius Highlights "Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Gems": $32
- Day tour out of Paneriai holocaust park,Trakai castle, medieval Kernave: $208
- Discover Vilnius Tour: $267
- Dzukija National Park and Grutas Park: Full-Day Tour: $214
- Explore Old Town and Uzupis Guided Walking Tour: $76
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVilnius €6.38Karlovy Vary €6.13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Vilnius
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:
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Beer€4.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius
Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Beer degustation at Bear & Boar Brewery Taproom: $43
- Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems: $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Vilnius 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius 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 Vilnius Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Karlovy Vary?
Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Vilnius is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 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 Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVilnius 18°C (65°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Vilnius is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVilnius 8°C (46°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Vilnius can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVilnius -5°C (23°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Karlovy Vary. The spring months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the natural beauty.
In April, Vilnius is generally cooler than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVilnius 7°C (45°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Vilnius
| Vilnius | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (26°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (33°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 55 mm (2.2 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.