Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Cologne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cologne or Gdansk?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cologne or Gdansk? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cologne or Gdansk?
Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.
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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCologne €161Gdansk €51
The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €161, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is €51. 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 Cologne and Gdansk in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCologne €91Gdansk €25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCologne €182Gdansk €50
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Gdansk
Looking for a hotel in Cologne 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.
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: Cologne Hotel Prices and Gdansk Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cologne €19Gdansk €7.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
- Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
- Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:
- Alle Taxi - Airport Transfer Gdansk: $36
- Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Luxury Car: $56
- Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Minivan: $39
- Bubble Football with Hotel Transfers: $60
- Departure Private Transfer: Gdansk City to Gdansk Airport GDN by Minivan: $39
- From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Sta: $36
- From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Star: $58
- From Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour with Transfer: $192
- Gdansk Airport (GDN) Private Transfer to City Center Gdansk: $44
- Gdansk Airport - Gdynia City Private Transfer: $56
- Gdansk Airport - Sopot Private Transfer: $53
- Gdansk Airport One-Way Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Cologne or Gdansk?
Prices for flights to both Gdansk and Cologne 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 dayCologne €50Gdansk €19
Typical Food Prices in Cologne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
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Dinner€14
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Donner Kebab€4.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
- Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $481
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cologne €20Gdansk €7.62
Tours and Activities in Cologne
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cologne Walking Tour: The essential and unmissable one: $3.20
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Original funky-fun Free Tour of Cologne: $3.21
- Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
- Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Sightseeing Tour: $5.88
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- Horrors of World War II Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.48
- Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCologne €23Gdansk €4.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:
- Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
- Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $18
- Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $18
- Guided tour of the old town with a visit to the brewery in Cologne: $19
- Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
- Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
- South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
- Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
- Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $29
- Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $32
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
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 Cologne and Gdansk, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive? and Is Gdansk Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cologne or Gdansk?
Cologne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gdansk. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne or Gdansk in the Summer?
Both Gdansk and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Cologne is a little warmer than Gdansk in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Gdansk fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Gdansk. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Gdansk during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCologne 19°C (66°F)Gdansk 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Cologne or Gdansk in the Autumn?
Both Gdansk and Cologne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cologne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Cologne is much warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Gdansk averages at about 8°C (46°F).
In the autumn, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun.
Cologne usually gets more rain in October than Gdansk. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCologne 12°C (54°F)Gdansk 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Cologne or Gdansk in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Gdansk. Most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Gdansk can be very cold. Cologne can be very cold during winter. In January, Cologne is generally much warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
Cologne usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cologne usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCologne 3°C (37°F)Gdansk -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Cologne or Gdansk in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Gdansk. The spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Cologne is much warmer than Gdansk in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Gdansk fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the spring, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun.
Cologne usually gets more rain in April than Gdansk. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCologne 10°C (50°F)Gdansk 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Gdansk and Cologne
| Cologne | Gdansk | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 39 mm (1.5 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.