A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dresden vs. Lodz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dresden or Lodz?

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

Should I visit Dresden or Lodz? 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 Lodz?

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.

Lodz

Located in central Poland, Lodz is a city perhaps best-known as a former textile-manufacturing hub. There are plenty of attractions and museums dedicated to showcasing that history, as well as a drive to promote it as a center for creative industries like art, design, fashion, and film.

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 Historical Tours in Poland, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Lodz or Dresden?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dresden is €135, while the average daily cost in Lodz is €30. 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 Lodz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dresden 61
    Lodz 13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dresden 122
    Lodz 26
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Lodz

Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Lodz? 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 Dresden


Hotels in Lodz


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 Lodz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dresden 11
    Lodz 6.38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lodz

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

  • Luxury airport transfer from Lodz to Warszawa Chopin Airport: $102
  • Poland Lodz city private transfer-Krakow Balice Airport: $138

Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Lodz?

Prices for flights to both Lodz 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dresden 31
    Lodz 10

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 Lodz

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

  • Lodz Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $183

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dresden 9.56
    Lodz 5.43

Tours and Activities in Dresden

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

  • 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
  • 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $24
  • 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery: $300
  • Astonishing Dresden - Guided Walking Tour: $427
  • Bad Schandau Scooter Tour in Saxon, Switzerland: $52
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $171
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $171
  • Bicycle tour of Dresden: $32
  • Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $21
  • Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $22

Tours and Activities in Lodz

For Lodz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Gems of Lodz - Walking Tour : $96
  • Romantic tour in Lodz: $96
  • Lodz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $102
  • Half-Day Chelmno Kulmhof Concentration Camp Private Tour: $137
  • Magic Christmas tour in Lodz: $151
  • Lodz Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $164
  • Lodz Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $164
  • Private Walking City Tour in Lodz: $207
  • Frederic Chopin and Masovian Country Small Group Tour from Lodz with Lunch: $233
  • Jasna Gora & Black Madonna Private Tour from Lodz with Lunch : $246
  • Torun Private Tour from Lodz with Lunch: $267
  • Warsaw Private Tour from Lodz with Lunch: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dresden 16
    Lodz 5.35

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dresden and Lodz, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Lodz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lodz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lodz 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 Lodz.

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


Which is Bigger, Dresden or Lodz?

Lodz has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Lodz, 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 Lodz?

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 Dresden or Lodz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Lodz. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In July, Dresden is generally around the same temperature as Lodz. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Lodz fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in July than Lodz. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lodz receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dresden 20°C (68°F) 
    Lodz 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Lodz in the Autumn?

Both Lodz and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Dresden is a little warmer than Lodz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Lodz fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives more rain than Lodz. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lodz receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dresden 11°C (51°F) 
    Lodz 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Lodz in the Winter?

Both Lodz and Dresden during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lodz can be very cold during winter. Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dresden is much warmer than Lodz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Lodz averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in January than Lodz. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lodz receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dresden 1°C (33°F) 
    Lodz -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Dresden or Lodz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Lodz. Most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Lodz. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Lodz fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives more rain than Lodz. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lodz receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dresden 10°C (50°F) 
    Lodz 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Lodz and Dresden

Dresden Lodz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)