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

Should you visit Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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: Warsaw or Karlovy Vary?

Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Warsaw?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $93, 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 Warsaw and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Warsaw $51
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Warsaw $102
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Warsaw 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 Warsaw


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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Warsaw $4.67
    Karlovy Vary $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

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

  • from Warsaw to Krakow private transfer: $495
  • Private Transfer to/from Krakow: $446
  • Private Full-Day Tour of Warsaw with Tickets and Transfers: $293
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw to Wroclaw with 2h of Sightseeing: $262
  • Chopin Airport One–Way Limousine Transfer: $248
  • Warsaw City/Airport Okecie: Private Transfer from/to Krakow: $248
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw to Krakow with 2h of Sightseeing: $247
  • Warsaw to Krakow or Krakow Airport Transfer Best Value: $240
  • Wilanow Palace and Gardens with Guide, Tickets and Transfers: $211
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw to Gdansk with 2h of Sightseeing: $193
  • Private transfer from Warszawa to Krakow: $191
  • Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfers: $175

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 Warsaw or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Warsaw 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
    Warsaw $27
    Karlovy Vary $26
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $17
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $92
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $94
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Warsaw $7.00
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

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

  • 2 Hour Super Segway City Tour of Warsaw: $67
  • 2-Hour Breakfast Experience in a Home from Warsaw: $49
  • 3 Hour VIP Warsaw Guided City Tour: $207
  • 3-Hour Guided Cycling Tour of Warsaw: $37
  • 6 Hour Private Car Tour to Treblinka With Hotel Pickup: $305
  • Architecture Walking Tour in Warsaw: $76
  • BIKE ADVENTURE : 4-hour sightseeing tour of Warsaw /inc. Pick-up/: $97
  • Best of Warsaw - private tour by retro minibus with hotel pickup: $131
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Chopin's Warsaw - guided tour in a minivan with evening piano concert: $67
  • Chopin’s Warsaw - City tour in the footsteps of Frédéric Chopin: $69

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Warsaw $10
    Karlovy Vary $6.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176


When comparing the travel costs between Warsaw and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Warsaw is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Warsaw Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Karlovy Vary?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Warsaw is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, 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 Warsaw. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Warsaw usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Warsaw during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Warsaw is cooler than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Warsaw in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Warsaw often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Karlovy Vary. The winter months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. The weather in Warsaw can be very cold. In January, Warsaw is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around -3°C (27°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Karlovy Vary. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year.

Warsaw is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Warsaw this time of the year. In the spring, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Warsaw

Warsaw Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)