Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Zurich?
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 Zurich or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Karlovy Vary. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zurich or Karlovy Vary?
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Zurich Prices
Switzerland PricesKarlovy Vary Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $364Karlovy Vary $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $364, 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 Zurich and Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $197Karlovy Vary $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $394Karlovy Vary $90
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $41Karlovy Vary $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- WEF DAVOS 2025 | TRANSFER TO/FROM ZURICH AIRPORT TO DAVOS: $754
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Moritz: $693
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Grindelwald: $656
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Lauterbrunnen: $599
- Private transfer between Zurich Airport to/from Interlaken.: $566
- Transfer Zurich Airport to Basel: $539
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $478
- Private Transfer between Zurich and Interlaken: $478
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Anton am Arlberg: $467
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lech am Arlberg: $467
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $450
- Zurich Airport: Private Lucerne Transfer by Mercedes: $450
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 Zurich or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Zurich 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 dayZurich $124Karlovy Vary $52
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
- Zurich Food Tour of 10 Local Delicacies with Cheeses & Chocolates: $156
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $41Karlovy Vary $13
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $114
- Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $160
- Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $103
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $84
- Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $103
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $163
- Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $96
- Chocolate, Art, and History walking tour of Zurich: $94
- Christmas Walking Tour in Zürich: Exploring Holiday Charm: $51
- Cinematic Zurich – Photo and Video Shoot Tour: $566
- City e-bike tour: $50
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $34Karlovy Vary $7.53
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Karlovy Vary?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 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 Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZurich 21°C (70°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Zurich is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZurich 13°C (56°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zurich is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
In the winter, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZurich 3°C (37°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Karlovy Vary. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.
In April, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZurich 12°C (53°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Zurich
| Zurich | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.