A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Katowice for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Basel or Katowice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Katowice, 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: Basel or Katowice?

Basel

Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.

Katowice

Katowice is a city east of Krakow, in the Silesian province of southern Poland. A large dome crowns the Cathedral of Christ the King, built between 1927 and 1955. The adjacent Archdiocesan Museum exhibits Silesian sacred art. The ultramodern Silesian Museum features several glass structures on the site of a former coal mine. It exhibits Polish art and chronicles the history of Upper Silesia. Historically, Katowice is a product of the 19th-century industrial boom, but it only became a city in the interwar period. After WWII, at the height of the Stalinist cult craze, the city was renamed Stalinogrod, but reverted to its old name soon after Comrade Joe died in 1953. Katowice has few significant historical monuments, but it's a major commercial and cultural center and holds sufficient attractions to make it worth a stop.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw.


Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Basel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Basel is $236, while the average daily cost in Katowice is $46. 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 Basel and Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basel $143
    Katowice $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basel $286
    Katowice $38
Compare Hotels in Basel and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Basel or Katowice? 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 Basel


Hotels in Katowice


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: Basel Hotel Prices and Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basel $45
    Katowice $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

  • ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
  • Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
  • Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
  • Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
  • Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
  • Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233
  • Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251
  • Private Transfer: Basel Airport BSL to Zurich in Luxury Van: $261

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers: $32
  • Katowice Pyrzowice KTW to Krakow City Private Transfer: $129
  • Katowice Airport: Private Transfer to or from Krakow: $186
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $199

Is it cheaper to fly into Basel or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice and Basel 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
    Basel $61
    Katowice $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Katowice

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

  • Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basel $37
    Katowice $6.40

Tours and Activities in Basel

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
  • Basel's Portrait Self Guided Audio City Tour: $5.60
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
  • The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Uncover Basel's Charms: In-App Audio Tour of Cultural Gems: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Katowice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katowice are as follows:

  • Ticket Pass and Guided Tour in Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum: $28
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $32
  • Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz Birkenau with Guide and FREE ebook: $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau - Skip the Line Tickets : $32
  • Katowice and Nikiszowiec: bicycle tour with guide: $42
  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket: $55
  • From Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $95
  • Katowice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $99
  • Private City Tour with Stories & Viewing Points: $154
  • Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau: $156
  • Katowice Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $159
  • Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basel $33
    Katowice $5.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Basel

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

  • Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
  • Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
  • Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
  • Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289

Sample the Local Flavors in Katowice

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

  • Tyskie Brewery Tour: $111


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

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


Which is Bigger, Basel or Katowice?

Katowice has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Katowice, 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 Basel or Katowice?

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 Basel or Katowice in the Summer?

Both Katowice and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Basel is a little warmer than Katowice in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Katowice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Katowice. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basel 21°C (70°F) 
    Katowice 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Basel or Katowice in the Autumn?

Both Katowice and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Basel is a little warmer than Katowice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Katowice averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in October than Katowice. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basel 13°C (56°F) 
    Katowice 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Basel or Katowice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Katowice. The winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Katowice in the winter. The weather in Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally much warmer than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Katowice fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Katowice. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basel 3°C (37°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Basel or Katowice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Katowice. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

Basel is a little warmer than Katowice in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Katowice. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basel 12°C (53°F) 
    Katowice 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Katowice and Basel

Basel Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)