Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Cologne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cologne or Katowice?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cologne or Katowice? 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 Katowice?
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.
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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCologne €161Katowice €43
The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €161, while the average daily cost in Katowice is €43. 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 Katowice in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCologne €91Katowice €18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCologne €182Katowice €36
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Katowice
Looking for a hotel in Cologne 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.
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 Katowice Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cologne €19Katowice €12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
- Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $199
- Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers: $32
- Katowice Airport: Private Transfer to or from Krakow: $186
- Katowice Pyrzowice KTW to Krakow City Private Transfer: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Cologne or Katowice?
Prices for flights to both Katowice 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 €50Katowice €18
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 Katowice
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Katowice.
- Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cologne €20Katowice €6.00
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 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCologne €23Katowice €5.33
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 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 Cologne and Katowice, we can see that Cologne 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 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 Katowice.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cologne Expensive? and Is Katowice Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cologne or Katowice?
Cologne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne or Katowice in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Katowice. The summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Katowice. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 19°C (66°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katowice this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Katowice during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Katowice. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCologne 19°C (66°F)Katowice 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Cologne or Katowice in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Katowice. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.
Cologne is a little warmer than Katowice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Katowice fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Katowice. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun.
Cologne usually gets more rain in October than Katowice. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCologne 12°C (54°F)Katowice 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Cologne or Katowice in the Winter?
Both Katowice and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Katowice can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. In the winter, Cologne is much warmer than Katowice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cologne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Katowice averages at about -2°C (28°F).
Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Katowice during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cologne usually receives more rain than Katowice. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCologne 3°C (37°F)Katowice -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Cologne or Katowice in the Spring?
Both Katowice and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Cologne is generally a little warmer than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 10°C (50°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun.
Cologne usually gets more rain in April than Katowice. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCologne 10°C (50°F)Katowice 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Katowice and Cologne
| Cologne | Katowice | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 50 mm (2 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.