Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Karlovy Vary?
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 Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro?
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 Karlovy Vary and Rio de Janeiro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Karlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarlovy Vary $115Rio de Janeiro $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $115, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro 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 Karlovy Vary and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarlovy Vary $45Rio de Janeiro $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarlovy Vary $90Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro? 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: Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karlovy Vary $30Rio de Janeiro $7.65
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
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $131
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $141
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $282
- Private Transfer From Rio De Janeiro to Buzios: $249
- Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $242
- TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
- Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $222
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $200
- Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
- Private Rio de Janeiro Layover Transfer & Tour from Airport: $180
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro cruise port to Rio de Janeiro city: $172
- Rio to Buzios Private Transfer - by Alan Denis: $170
- Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $166
Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Karlovy Vary 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 dayKarlovy Vary $52Rio de Janeiro $34
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karlovy Vary $13Rio de Janeiro $21
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
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
- A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
- Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarlovy Vary $7.53Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When comparing the travel costs between Karlovy Vary and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro 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. Even though Karlovy Vary is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Karlovy Vary Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Karlovy Vary has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Rio de Janeiro. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Karlovy Vary is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 20°C (68°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKarlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Karlovy Vary is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKarlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Karlovy Vary during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Karlovy Vary is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karlovy Vary in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKarlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
In April, Karlovy Vary is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 10°C (50°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKarlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Karlovy Vary
| Karlovy Vary | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.