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

Should you visit Siofok or Karlovy Vary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Siofok or Karlovy Vary? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Siofok or Karlovy Vary?

Siofok

Siofok is a charming lakefront town located on the southern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary. It is one of the most popular holiday resorts in the nation, drawing at least two hundred thousand visitors each summer for its peaceful beaches and thriving nightlife. While lakefront beaches and the accompanying resorts are the main attractions, Siofok also has a host of other opportunities for sight-seeing, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

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 Tours for Seniors to Hungary, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Siofok?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Siofok is $62, 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 Siofok and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Siofok $23
    Karlovy Vary $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Siofok $46
    Karlovy Vary $90
Compare Hotels in Siofok and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Siofok 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 Siofok


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: Siofok Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Siofok $11
    Karlovy Vary $30

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 Siofok or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Siofok 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
    Siofok $32
    Karlovy Vary $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Siofok $8.66
    Karlovy Vary $13

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 day
    Siofok $4.73
    Karlovy Vary $7.53


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Siofok and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Siofok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Siofok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Siofok 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 Karlovy Vary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Karlovy Vary than you might in Siofok.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Siofok Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Siofok or Karlovy Vary?

Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Siofok. When comparing the sizes of Siofok 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 Siofok 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 Siofok or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Siofok as well as Karlovy Vary.

In the summer, Siofok is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Siofok in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 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 Siofok this time of the year. In the summer, Siofok often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Siofok gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Siofok usually gets less rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Siofok gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Siofok or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Siofok are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Siofok is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Siofok average around 12°C (53°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Siofok usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Siofok gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Siofok usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Siofok gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Siofok 12°C (53°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Siofok or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Siofok during the winter are popular places to visit.

Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Siofok can get quite cold in the winter. Siofok is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Siofok averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Siofok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Siofok gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Siofok usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Siofok gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Siofok -1°C (31°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Siofok or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Siofok and Karlovy Vary.

In the spring, Siofok is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Siofok in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Siofok usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Siofok gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Siofok usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Siofok gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Siofok

Siofok Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)