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

Should you visit Tallinn or Karlovy Vary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn 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: Tallinn or Karlovy Vary?

Tallinn

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. It has a population of more than 430,000 people and is a charming, yet cosmopolitan place to visit. The Old Town is at the center of the city's tourism, and the beauty and architecture is very impressive. The city's close proximity to Helsinki makes it a popular day trip from Finland, but cheap plane flights have also encouraged visitors from around Europe to spend several days in this city. In particular, summer months can become quite crowded.

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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Tallinn?

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 Tallinn is €121, 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 Tallinn and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallinn 47
    Karlovy Vary 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallinn 94
    Karlovy Vary 76
Compare Hotels in Tallinn and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Tallinn 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 Tallinn


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: Tallinn Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallinn 12
    Karlovy Vary 25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tallinn

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Tallinn:


  • Tram Around Town for Two
    1.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tallinn

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

  • From Helicopter transfer to Helsinki: $2,902
  • Tallinn Limo Airport Transfer: $161
  • Tallinn Arrival Private Airport Transfer in Minivan: $129
  • CO2-Offset Departure Transfer from Tallinn City / Tallinn Airport: $100
  • CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer from Tallinn Airport/Port to Tallinn : $100
  • Beginner Archery Class with Transfer: $88
  • Tallinn Airport (TLL) to Tallinn Cruise Port - Round-Trip Privat Transfer: $81
  • Tallinn Cruise Port to Tallinn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • Tallinn Highlights Shore Excursion With Port Return Transfer: $71
  • Highlights Shore Excursion with Return Transfer: $65
  • Private Arrival Transfer Tallinn Airport to Cruise Port: $62
  • Talinn Airport and City Private Transfer: $48

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 Tallinn or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Tallinn 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
    Tallinn 62
    Karlovy Vary 44
Typical Food Prices in Tallinn

For Tallinn, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    7.68
  • Dessert
    1.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tallinn

For Tallinn, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tallinn old town: Estonian Cuisine Cooking Class: $81
  • Estonian cuisine Cooking Class: $82
  • Tallinn Beer House Dinner: $102
  • Tallinn 3-Hour Estonian Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallinn 5.63
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Tallinn

For Tallinn, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Old Town Walking Tour and Two Cathedrals: $47
  • 1-Hour Good Morning Tallinn Running Tour: $18
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Tallinn: $54
  • 2-hour Tallinn Kalamaja Walking Tour: $233
  • 2-hour Tallinn Old Town walking tour: $185
  • 5 Hour Majestic Tallinn Tour from Cruise Port: $50
  • 5-Hour Tallinn Tour for Cruise Passengers: $49
  • Aegna Island: Self-Guided Discovery Tour: $9.37
  • All inclusive Tallinn Food and Bike tour: $93
  • Audio Tour of the Toompea Hill (Cathedral Hill) in Tallinn: $8.20
  • Best Tallinn Shore Excursion from Cruise Port: $54
  • Best of Tallinn 2-Hour Bike Tour: $36

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
    Tallinn 15
    Karlovy Vary 6.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Tallinn

Also in Tallinn, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Telliskivi Bar Crawl with games, drinks, discounts: $19
  • Old Town Bar Crawl - Shots, Games, Deals & Club: $21
  • Bar Crawl with Shots, Beer, and Nightclub Entry: $23
  • Tallinn Exclusive Pub & Bar Crawl - Free Drink, Local Guide: $46
  • Tallinn Brewery Fiesta: $79


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


Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Karlovy Vary?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tallinn is generally cooler than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallinn 17°C (62°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Tallinn or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Karlovy Vary. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tallinn is much colder than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallinn 7°C (44°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Tallinn or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. It's quite cold in Tallinn in the winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallinn -5°C (22°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Tallinn or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallinn 4°C (39°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Tallinn

Tallinn Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -6°C (22°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 7°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -3°C (27°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)