A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Berlin vs. Krakow for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Berlin or Krakow?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Krakow, 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: Berlin or Krakow?

Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.

With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.

Krakow

Krakow is Poland's second largest city. It sits on both sides of the Wisla River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. There are more than 1.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Krakow is known as a historical and beautiful city that is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up a large part of the city's economy, but there is also a university and several local colleges which are major employers as well. Technology has grown in recent years and the city has some notable employees including Google, IBM and Motorola. Other important industries include steel, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.


Which place is cheaper, Krakow or Berlin?

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 Berlin is €175, while the average daily cost in Krakow is €70. 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 Berlin and Krakow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin 64
    Krakow 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Krakow 80
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Krakow

Looking for a hotel in Berlin or Krakow? 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 Berlin


Hotels in Krakow


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: Berlin Hotel Prices and Krakow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin 18
    Krakow 6.09
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

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


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    1.40
  • Bahn Ticket
    3.00
  • Short Taxi Ride
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City by Luxury Van: $181
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City in Business Car: $174
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $181
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Business Car: $117
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $129
  • Berlin Airport (BER) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer: $118
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $233
  • Berlin BER Airport Private Transfer to Berlin City Center: $46
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Car: $98
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Van: $98
  • Berlin Departure Private Transfers from Berlin City to Berlin Airport SXF: $97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • Budapest: Private transfer to Krakow or Krakow to Budapest: $692
  • Private Transfer Airport to Warszawa Okęcie: $298
  • Wheelchair accessible PRIVATE transfer to Auschwitz - Birkenau: $292
  • Transfer service for Auschwitz Birkeanu from Krakow: $292
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $280
  • Krakow Airport (KRK) to Poprad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $278
  • Wrocław Strachowice Airport Private Transfer: $277
  • Luxury Private Transfer from Krakow to Vienna: $274
  • Luxury Private Transfer from Krakow to Budapest: $262
  • Private Transfer to/from Warsaw: $261
  • Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Private Transfer and Tickets: $251
  • Krakow Balice Airport -Slovakia Bratyslawa city private transfer: $241

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Krakow?

Prices for flights to both Krakow and Berlin 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
    Berlin 90
    Krakow 22
Typical Food Prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    5.00
  • Turkish Sandwich
    2.00
  • Currywurst
    2.00
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    9.00
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    60
  • Mauer Park (2)
    11
  • Coffees at Impala
    7.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

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

  • English Stand-Up Comedy Show with Free Pizza and Free Shots: $17
  • English Comedy Show with Pizza and Shots in Central Berlin: $20
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner: $39
  • Mitte Culinary Food Tour: $51
  • Berlin Mitte Culinary – The Food Tour: $57
  • Berlin Food Tour: Taste the Best with a Full Meal & Beer: $67
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Disco - Acrobatics Dinner and Dance - Variety Theater in Berlin: $79
  • Candlelight dinner for two – Italian night in Berlin: $81
  • Berlin Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $83
  • Kreuzberg Food Tour – Five Courses in Wrangelkiez: $87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow

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

  • Krakow Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $34
  • Brewery Dinner -center of Krakow: $52
  • Krakow Food Tour by Foot: Polish Tastings in Old Town & Kazimierz: $111
  • Krakow Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Visit & Home-Cooked Meal: $111
  • The 10 Tastings of Krakow With Locals: Private Food Tour: $163
  • Katowice Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $189
  • Private Food Tour in Krakow Poland: $194
  • Zakopane: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $233

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Krakow 19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • Berlin 2-Hour Segway Tour: $2.33
  • Self-Guided Tours In Berlin With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.49
  • Berlin Must-see Tour – offer at the end of the tour: $3.50
  • Berlin Walking Tour: $3.50
  • Berlin Highlights History Walking Tour + Optional Food Tastings: $3.50
  • Rude Bastards tour of No Walls - No Wars – No Nazis: $3.50
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Berlin: $4.65
  • City's Highlights Walking Tour: $4.65
  • Rude Bastards tour of Berlin (CYHIT): $4.65
  • Berlin Highlights Walking Tour: $4.67
  • Communist Berlin Walking Tour: $4.67
  • Berlin's Museum Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00

Tours and Activities in Krakow

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

  • 1 Hour Traditional Gondola Sightseeing Vistula River Cruise: $17
  • 1,5-Hour Jewish Quarter Kazimierz Walking Guided Tour in Krakow: $27
  • 1-Hour Tour to Krakow's Old Town by Electric Golf Cart: $21
  • 1.5h Crazy Guides' Communism Tour of Nowa Huta in Classic Car: $113
  • 2 Days in Golf Cart, Schindler, Wawel & River Cruise: $202
  • 2 Hour Bottomless Brunch Experience with 3 Course Meal And Drinks: $69
  • 2-Hour City Walking Tour in Creepy Krakow: $22
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour in Kraków-Płaszów Concentration Camp: $29
  • 60 Minute Krakow Sightseeing Cruise on the Vistula River: $22
  • 90 minutes Small Group Krakow City Tour by Electric Car: $57
  • Audio-Guided, Private Electric Car City Tour in Krakow: $86
  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Best Value Guided Tour -Skip The LineTickets: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berlin 16
    Krakow 6.43
Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

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

  • Alternative Pub Crawl, Bars, Beats & Insider Stories: $11
  • Pub Crawl & Party with Free Shots & VIP Club Access: $12
  • Alternative Berlin Pub Crawl: $12
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $17
  • Berliner Berg Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $19
  • Cirque du Burlesque Berlin show ticket: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $22
  • Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $23
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $29
  • Sip Up Comedy - Stand Up Comedy with Wine Tasting: $31
  • Ludwig's Queer Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
  • Wine on Canvas - Paint Workshop and Wine Tasting: $47

Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:


  • Vodka
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow

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

  • Ultimate Katowice Pub Crawl & VIPClub Entry by Fun Explorers: $17
  • Halloween Pub Crawl - Krawl Through Krakow: $27
  • Pub Crawl Unlimited Drinks then 5 Best Clubs in Krakow with VIP: $35
  • Krakow Evening Pub Crawl: $48
  • Krakow Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $174


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

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


Which is Bigger, Berlin or Krakow?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Krakow. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Krakow, 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 Berlin or Krakow?

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 Berlin or Krakow in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Krakow. Many visitors come to Berlin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Berlin is around the same temperature as Krakow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berlin in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Krakow averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krakow. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In the summer, Berlin often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 201 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in July than Krakow. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berlin 19°C (66°F) 
    Krakow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Krakow in the Autumn?

Both Krakow and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Berlin is generally around the same temperature as Krakow. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 10°C (50°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Berlin usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during autumn. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Berlin usually receives less rain than Krakow. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berlin 10°C (50°F) 
    Krakow 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Krakow in the Winter?

Both Krakow and Berlin during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Berlin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Krakow in the winter. The weather in Berlin can be very cold. Berlin is much warmer than Krakow in the winter. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Krakow fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

In the winter, Berlin often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 38 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets more rain in January than Krakow. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berlin -0°C (31°F) 
    Krakow -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Krakow in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Krakow. The activities around the city are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

In the spring, Berlin is cooler than Krakow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berlin in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Krakow averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Berlin usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during spring. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Berlin usually receives less rain than Krakow. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berlin 9°C (47°F) 
    Krakow 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Krakow and Berlin

Berlin Krakow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)