Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hofn or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Karlovy Vary, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Hofn or Karlovy Vary?
Hofn
Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Hofn Prices
Iceland PricesKarlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $207Karlovy Vary $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $207, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $115. 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 Hofn and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $113Karlovy Vary $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $226Karlovy Vary $90
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Hofn 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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $31Karlovy Vary $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $167
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $141
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Hofn 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 dayHofn $73Karlovy Vary $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $20Karlovy Vary $13
Tours and Activities in Hofn
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.
- 3 Hours Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajokull : $214
- Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $203
- Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: $182
- Frozen Wonders : Small Group Ice Cave Tour: $200
- Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
- Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
- Sindri’s Ice Cave Photography Tour: A Local’s Perspective: $215
- The Orignal Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $164
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: $245
- Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $42
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $273
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $184
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHofn $13Karlovy Vary $7.53
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Hofn 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 Hofn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hofn 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 Hofn Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Karlovy Vary?
Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn 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 Hofn or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Hofn is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In July, Hofn usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit.
The weather in Hofn can be very cold. Hofn is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Karlovy Vary.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. It's quite cold in Hofn in the winter. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Karlovy Vary.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Hofn usually gets more rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Hofn
| Hofn | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 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.