Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Warsaw?
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 Warsaw or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Karlovy Vary can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Warsaw or Karlovy Vary?
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.
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 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Warsaw Prices
Poland PricesKarlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWarsaw $124Karlovy Vary $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $124, 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 Warsaw and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWarsaw $57Karlovy Vary $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWarsaw $114Karlovy Vary $90
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Warsaw 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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Warsaw $5.10Karlovy Vary $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw
Also for Warsaw, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Krakow to Warsaw or Warsaw to Krakow: $591
- Private Transfer to/from Krakow: $522
- Private Full-Day Tour of Warsaw with Tickets and Transfers: $459
- Limousine Transfer: Warsaw Chopin Airport to City Center: $429
- Private Transfer from Warsaw to Krakow Private driver service: $299
- Private Transfer from Warsaw to Wroclaw with 2h of Sightseeing: $287
- Private transfer from Warszawa to Krakow: $275
- Private transfer from Warsaw to Krakow with 2h of Sightseeing: $270
- Private transfer Warsaw-Poznań or Poznań-Warsaw: $254
- Wilanow Palace and Gardens with Guide, Tickets and Transfers: $225
- Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfer: $187
- Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfers: $185
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 Warsaw or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Warsaw 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 dayWarsaw $51Karlovy Vary $52
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:
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Dinner for Two$14
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Lunch for Two$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw
For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lunch or dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $33
- Traditional Pierogi Dinner with Beer: $36
- Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $74
- Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $76
- The Art of Pierogi Making - Warsaw cooking class dumplings: $86
- Polish Food Tour: $92
- Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Adrian: $93
- Half-Day Polish Food Walking Tour with Guide and Dinner: $94
- Warsaw Food Tour with Local Guide: $113
- 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $115
- Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $115
- Dinner Show at Sabat Theatre: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Warsaw $7.77Karlovy Vary $13
Tours and Activities in Warsaw
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.
- ''Cheers on wheels''- Vodka tasting tour by Retro Bus : $54
- 2 hour: Palace of Culture & Science Guided Tour in English: $82
- 2 in 1 Warsaw tour Royal Route & Communist Area: $18
- 2-Hour Guided Tour to Wilanów Palace in Warsaw: $50
- 2h Private Cruise for 4 on Vistula in Warsaw with our Helmsman: $169
- 3 hour: POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Tour: $81
- 3-Hour Guided Cycling Tour of Warsaw: $41
- 3-hour tour at Warsaw Uprising 1944 Museum /inc. Pick-up/: $81
- A unique walking tour of Jewish Warsaw - past and present: $32
- Agvo Shooting Range Experience in Warsaw: $42
- Architecture Walking Tour in Warsaw: $84
- Best of Warsaw - private tour by retro minibus with hotel pickup: $155
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWarsaw $12Karlovy Vary $7.53
Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:
- Pub Crawl with Optional 1-Hour Open Bar: $25
- The Original Pub Crawl: $25
- Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $188
- Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $190
When comparing the travel costs between Warsaw and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Warsaw 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 Warsaw Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Karlovy Vary?
Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Warsaw is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Warsaw. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Warsaw usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWarsaw 19°C (65°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Warsaw or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Warsaw during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Warsaw is cooler than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Warsaw in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Warsaw often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Warsaw usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWarsaw 9°C (49°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Warsaw or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Karlovy Vary. The winter months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. The weather in Warsaw can be very cold. In January, Warsaw is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around -3°C (27°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWarsaw -3°C (27°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Warsaw or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Karlovy Vary. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year.
Warsaw is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Warsaw this time of the year. In the spring, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Warsaw usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWarsaw 9°C (47°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Warsaw
| Warsaw | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (37°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (47°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (65°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (49°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (31°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.