Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Plovdiv?
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 Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv and Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Plovdiv or Karlovy Vary?
Plovdiv
Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
-
Plovdiv Prices
Bulgaria PricesKarlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlovdiv $105Karlovy Vary $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Plovdiv is $105, 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 Plovdiv and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlovdiv $48Karlovy Vary $45
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlovdiv $96Karlovy Vary $90
Compare Hotels in Plovdiv and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Plovdiv 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: Plovdiv Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Plovdiv $24Karlovy Vary $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plovdiv
Also for Plovdiv, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $208
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $113
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Borovets: $113
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $107
- Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia: $107
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Pamporovo: $98
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora: $95
- Private One-way Transfer Plovdiv Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $141
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $131
- Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Plovdiv or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Plovdiv 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 dayPlovdiv $40Karlovy Vary $52
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Plovdiv $17Karlovy Vary $13
Tours and Activities in Plovdiv
For Plovdiv, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Private Superb Buggy Adventure: $213
- 3-Day Monastery Tour: Rila, Bachkovo & Rozhen from Sofia: $351
- Audio Guide for All Haskovo & Kardjali Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $23
- Audio Guide for All Rhodope Mountain Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $46
- Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv: $95
- Communist Heritage Tour- Buzludzha and The Might of the East Block Aviation: $107
- Day Tour from PLOVDIV - Thracian civilization & wine traditions: $184
- Day Tour from Nature & forgotten village experiences: $158
- E-Motorcycle Tour in Rhodope Mountains to a Beautiful Canyon View: $119
- Exclusive Private Tour in the Thracian Valley from Sofia: $102
- Food Walk Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour: $42
- Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $42
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlovdiv $11Karlovy Vary $7.53
Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:
- Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $23
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Plovdiv : $27
- Food and Wine Tour: $60
- Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $107
- Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $118
- Half-Day of Horseback Adventure with Wine Tasting: $183
When comparing the travel costs between Plovdiv and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Plovdiv Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Plovdiv or Karlovy Vary?
Plovdiv has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Plovdiv 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.
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.