A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Balaton Lake vs. Gdansk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Balaton Lake or Gdansk?

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 Balaton Lake and Gdansk can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Balaton Lake or Gdansk?

Balaton Lake

Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary, The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Balaton Lake?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Balaton Lake is $86, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is $54. 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 Balaton Lake and Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Balaton Lake $48
    Gdansk $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Balaton Lake $96
    Gdansk $54
Compare Hotels in Balaton Lake and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake or Gdansk? 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 Balaton Lake


Hotels in Gdansk


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: Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Balaton Lake $12
    Gdansk $8.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • Gdańsk Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Elblag: $15
  • Gdańsk Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Ostróda: $23
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport (GDN) to Gdynia Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Gdynia Cruise Port to Gdansk Airport (GDN): $28
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Gdansk city: $33
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk city to Gdansk (GDN) Airport: $33
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Gdansk HTL-APT (GDN): $34
  • From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Sta: $36
  • Alle Taxi - Airport Transfer Gdansk: $36
  • Gdansk Airport: Private Transfer to Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia: $37
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Gdynia City: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Minivan: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Balaton Lake or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk and Balaton Lake 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
    Balaton Lake $27
    Gdansk $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
  • 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
  • Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
  • Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Balaton Lake $20
    Gdansk $8.13

Tours and Activities in Gdansk

Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Gdańsk: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Gdańsk: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • Discover Gdansk! - €5 Walking Tour: $5.46
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $6.31
  • Gdańsk: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Gdansk Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Individual Sightseeing Tour with Audio Guide: $7.43
  • Gdańsk: Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $14
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Gorgeous Gdansk Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Gdańsk : Catamaran River Cruise (group): $17
  • Gdańsk: Motlawa River Yacht Cruise: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Balaton Lake $8.73
    Gdansk $4.74

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
  • Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Balaton Lake or Gdansk?

Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Balaton Lake and Gdansk, 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 Balaton Lake or Gdansk?

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 Balaton Lake or Gdansk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Balaton Lake and Gdansk.

Balaton Lake is a little warmer than Gdansk in the summer. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Gdansk fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gdansk this time of the year. In Balaton Lake, it's very sunny this time of the year. Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during summer. Balaton Lake gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Balaton Lake usually receives less rain than Gdansk. Balaton Lake gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F) 
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Gdansk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Balaton Lake as well as Gdansk.

In the autumn, Balaton Lake is much warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Balaton Lake in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Gdansk averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Balaton Lake gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun.

Balaton Lake usually gets less rain in October than Gdansk. Balaton Lake gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Gdansk in the Winter?

Both Gdansk and Balaton Lake are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Gdansk can be very cold during winter. Balaton Lake can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Balaton Lake is generally much warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Balaton Lake average around 0°C (32°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Balaton Lake usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during winter. Balaton Lake gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Balaton Lake usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Balaton Lake gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F) 
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Balaton Lake or Gdansk in the Spring?

Both Gdansk and Balaton Lake during the spring are popular places to visit.

Balaton Lake is much warmer than Gdansk in the spring. The daily temperature in Balaton Lake averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Gdansk fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Balaton Lake often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Balaton Lake gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun.

Balaton Lake usually gets more rain in April than Gdansk. Balaton Lake gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F) 
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Gdansk and Balaton Lake

Balaton Lake Gdansk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)