Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Zermatt?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zermatt or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zermatt or Karlovy Vary?
Zermatt
Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss village best known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities. It has become a popular mountain resort town due to its location and also features a number of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the vacationers who come to enjoy the many winter activities of the Alps.
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 Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 dayZermatt $223Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Zermatt is $223, 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 Zermatt and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZermatt $126Karlovy Vary $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZermatt $252Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Zermatt and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Zermatt 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: Zermatt Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zermatt $53Karlovy Vary $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
- 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235
- Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
- Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
- Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
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 Zermatt or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Zermatt 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 dayZermatt $57Karlovy Vary $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zermatt
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.
- Evening Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zermatt $56Karlovy Vary $12
Tours and Activities in Zermatt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:
- Basel Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $885
- Basel: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $1,067
- Bern Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $856
- Bern Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
- Bern: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $984
- From Basel: Zermatt and Mt. Gornergrat Small Group Tour: $530
- From Bern: Zermatt Guided Tour with Matterhorn Railway Pass: $530
- From Zurich: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise Private Tour: $885
- Interlaken Private Tour to Gornergrat & Matterhorn Paradise: $1,026
- Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $843
- Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
- Majestic Hiking Private Tour in Zermatt with pick up: $1,692
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 dayZermatt $28Karlovy Vary $6.54
Sample the Local Flavors in Zermatt
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:
- Wine Tasting in Valais: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zermatt and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Karlovy Vary?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Karlovy Vary. The summer months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Zermatt is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, 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 Zermatt this time of the year. In the summer, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 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 JulyZermatt 23°C (73°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.
In the autumn, Zermatt is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 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 OctoberZermatt 15°C (58°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Zermatt during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zermatt. In January, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 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 JanuaryZermatt 5°C (41°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Zermatt is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 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 AprilZermatt 13°C (55°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Zermatt
| Zermatt | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.