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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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: Zurich or Karlovy Vary?

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

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 Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Zurich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $273, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $82. 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 Zurich and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $173
    Karlovy Vary $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $346
    Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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 Zurich


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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Karlovy Vary $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Switzerland: Private Transfer to Interlaken & Grindelwald: $618
  • Private Transfer between Zurich and Interlaken: $444
  • Private Transfer From Zurich to Vaduz, 2 Hour Stop in Balzers: $296
  • Private Transfer From Zurich to St. Gallen, With a 2 Hour Stop: $282
  • Private Transfer From St. Gallen to Zurich With a 2 Hour Stop: $282
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Zurich to Basel With Stops: $271
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Basel in Luxury Van: $264
  • Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Zug: $258
  • Private Transfer from Zurich to Interlaken with English Driver: $243
  • Private Transfer From Zurich to Bern: $232
  • Private Transfer Zurich city to Zurich Airport ZRH by Minibus: $213
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Basel City in Car or Van: $209

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: $121
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Zurich 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
    Zurich $63
    Karlovy Vary $27
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.

  • Zürich Food Tour: $100
  • Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Karlovy Vary $12

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour to Explore the Gems of Zürich: $281
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $229
  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $103
  • A Cairo Adventure to Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur Pyramids: $56
  • A Guided Tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo: $78
  • A Thrifty Luxor Adventure to the West Bank's Top Sights: $61
  • Adventure to Mount Pilatus from Zurich: $188
  • Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $159
  • Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $89
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
  • Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour with a local: $88
  • Cairo Tour To Pyramids of Giza, Old Cairo, Khan Bazaar: $95

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $67
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $92
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $114
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $169
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $169
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $211
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $226
  • Private Walking Tour: $231
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $256
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $30
    Karlovy Vary $6.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $32


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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Karlovy Vary?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°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 Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Zurich is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zurich is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Karlovy Vary. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

In April, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Zurich

Zurich Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)