Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Ghent?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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: Ghent or Karlovy Vary?
Ghent
Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.
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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Belgium, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
-
Ghent Prices
Belgium PricesKarlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGhent €144Karlovy Vary €98
The average daily cost (per person) in Ghent is €144, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €98. 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 Ghent and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGhent €72Karlovy Vary €38
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGhent €144Karlovy Vary €76
Compare Hotels in Ghent and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Ghent 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: Ghent Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ghent €19Karlovy Vary €25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $131
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $141
- Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Ghent or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Ghent 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 dayGhent €60Karlovy Vary €44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.
- Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $93
- Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $109
- Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $178
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ghent €8.64Karlovy Vary €11
Tours and Activities in Ghent
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:
- Explore History and Family Walking Tour in Mons: $245
- Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $54
- Charlie's Private Beer Tour (Ghent) : $179
- Charlie's Private Chocolate Tour (Ghent): $198
- Charlie's Private Highlights Tour (Ghent): $149
- Charlie's Private Off The Beaten Path Tour (Ghent): $209
- Charlie's Private Tasting Tour (Ghent): $239
- Charlie's famous Chocolate Tour (Ghent): $56
- Charlie's famous Tasting Tour (Ghent): $70
- Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
- Escape Tour Gent -selfguided citygame- and find the secret exit!: $24
- Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.57
Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
- Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $42
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $184
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $245
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $273
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGhent €18Karlovy Vary €6.41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ghent and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Ghent 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 Ghent would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ghent 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 Ghent Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ghent or Karlovy Vary?
Ghent has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.
Ghent is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°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 Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGhent 17°C (63°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Ghent or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ghent is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGhent 12°C (54°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ghent or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Ghent can be very cold during winter. In January, Ghent is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Ghent usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGhent 3°C (38°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Ghent or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Karlovy Vary. The spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.
Ghent is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGhent 8°C (47°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Ghent
| Ghent | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.