Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Dresden?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dresden or Katowice?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dresden 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: Dresden or Katowice?
Dresden
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 dayDresden €135Katowice €43
The average daily cost (per person) in Dresden is €135, 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 Dresden and Katowice in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDresden €61Katowice €18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDresden €122Katowice €36
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Katowice
Looking for a hotel in Dresden 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: Dresden Hotel Prices and Katowice Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dresden €11Katowice €12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
- Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
- One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
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 Dresden or Katowice?
Prices for flights to both Katowice and Dresden 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 dayDresden €31Katowice €18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.
- Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
- Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117
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.Dresden €9.56Katowice €6.00
Tours and Activities in Dresden
Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
- Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
- Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
- The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
- Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62
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 dayDresden €16Katowice €5.33
Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:
- Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
- Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
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 Dresden and Katowice, we can see that Dresden 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden 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 Dresden Expensive? and Is Katowice Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dresden or Katowice?
Dresden has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Dresden 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Katowice in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Katowice. The summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dresden is generally around the same temperature as Katowice. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In July, Dresden usually receives less rain than Katowice. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 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 JulyDresden 20°C (68°F)Katowice 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Dresden or Katowice in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Katowice. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.
Dresden is around the same temperature as Katowice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Katowice fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Dresden usually gets more rain in October than Katowice. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 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 OctoberDresden 11°C (51°F)Katowice 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Dresden or Katowice in the Winter?
Both Katowice and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Katowice can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. In the winter, Dresden is much warmer than Katowice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Katowice averages at about -2°C (28°F).
In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Katowice. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDresden 1°C (33°F)Katowice -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Dresden or Katowice in the Spring?
Both Katowice and Dresden during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Katowice. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDresden 10°C (50°F)Katowice 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Katowice and Dresden
| Dresden | Katowice | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.