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

Should you visit Skiathos 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 Skiathos and Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Skiathos or Karlovy Vary?

Skiathos

Nestled in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Skiathos is a small but captivating island that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. As part of the Sporades archipelago, this verdant paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for all types of travelers. While Skiathos can be pricier than some other Greek islands due to its popularity, savvy travelers can still enjoy its charms without breaking the bank. To save money, eat at local restaurants, take public transportation, and find small, local hotels for accommodation.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Skiathos?

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 Skiathos is €412, 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 Skiathos and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Skiathos 215
    Karlovy Vary 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Skiathos 430
    Karlovy Vary 76
Compare Hotels in Skiathos and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Skiathos 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 Skiathos


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: Skiathos Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Skiathos 115
    Karlovy Vary 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Skiathos

Also for Skiathos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Skiathos Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $36

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 Skiathos or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Skiathos 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
    Skiathos 129
    Karlovy Vary 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Skiathos 45
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Skiathos

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Skiathos.

  • All-Inclusive Full-Day Cruise & Lunch: $161
  • All-Inclusive Sailing Cruise-Skiathos & Nearby Islands with Lunch: $155
  • Daily Sailing Cruise from Skiathos to Skopelos Island: $143
  • Mamma Mia Cruise From Skiathos Island: $59
  • Sea and Sun day cruise from Skiathos: $53
  • Skiathos Guided Olive Oil Tasting Experience: $57
  • Skiathos Semiprivate Sailing Cruise : $151

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 day
    Skiathos 23
    Karlovy Vary 6.41


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Skiathos and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Skiathos 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 Skiathos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Skiathos 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 Skiathos Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Skiathos or Karlovy Vary?

Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Skiathos. When comparing the sizes of Skiathos 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.