Which place is cheaper, Wroclaw or Dresden?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dresden or Wroclaw?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dresden or Wroclaw? 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 Wroclaw?
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.
Wroclaw
Wroclaw still remains mostly undiscovered to travelers. It's the largest city and capital of Lower Silesian Voivodeship. It is also a historical capital of Silesia with a very rich history. The city's population is around 630,000 and there are over a million people in the metropolitan area. It's the fourth largest city in Poland and has an economy that is centered around manufacturing, banking, industry, tourism, and cultural events. The area has some unique architecture, beautiful rivers, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city has witnessed much turmoil, particularly during World War II and the years following. Today it has been beautifully restored and should be considered a highlight of a trip to Poland. Now is the time to visit, because as Poland gains ground within Europe, prices are sure to rise and the crowds will discover this city.
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 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDresden €135Wroclaw €31
The average daily cost (per person) in Dresden is €135, while the average daily cost in Wroclaw is €31. 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 Wroclaw in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDresden €61Wroclaw €15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDresden €122Wroclaw €30
Compare Hotels in Dresden and Wroclaw
Looking for a hotel in Dresden or Wroclaw? 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 Wroclaw Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dresden €11Wroclaw €5.47
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 Wroclaw
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Wroclaw:
- Archery Tag with Hotel Transfers: $58
- Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: Wroclaw - Brzeg: $109
- Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: Wroclaw - Karpacz: $174
- Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: Wroclaw - Katowice: $294
- Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: Wroclaw - Lodz: $283
- Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: Wroclaw - Opole: $153
- Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: Wroclaw - Polanica Zdroj: $174
- Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: Wroclaw - Poznan: $262
- Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: Wroclaw - Swidnica: $109
- Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: Wroclaw - Szklarska Poreba: $174
- Private Transfer from Swidnica city to Wroclaw (WRO) Airport: $101
- Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Bielany Wroclawskie city: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Dresden or Wroclaw?
Prices for flights to both Wroclaw 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 €31Wroclaw €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
Typical Food Prices in Wroclaw
Some typical examples of dining costs in Wroclaw are as follows:
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Coffee & Sandwich€2.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wroclaw
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Wroclaw.
- Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dresden €9.56Wroclaw €5.32
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 Wroclaw
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Wroclaw are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
- Wrocław: Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Legends of Old Town 1 Hour Walking Tour in Wroclaw: $11
- Old Town Sunset Cruise: $15
- Old Town Night Cruise with Ilumination: $15
- Old Town boat cruise: $15
- Old Town Wrocław Walking Tour: $16
- Wrocław: Old Town and Ostrów Tumski Walking Tour (English): $17
- III Reich and WW2 in Wroclaw. Monday-Friday regular tour: $27
- Wroclaw, 2-Hour Group Tour by Electric Car: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDresden €16Wroclaw €5.56
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Wroclaw
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Wroclaw:
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A Couple Beers€3.02
Sample the Local Flavors in Wroclaw
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Wroclaw:
- Wroclaw Pub Crawl : $22
- Wroclaw Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dresden and Wroclaw, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Wroclaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wroclaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wroclaw 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 Wroclaw.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dresden Expensive? and Is Wroclaw Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dresden or Wroclaw?
Wroclaw has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Dresden and Wroclaw, 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 Wroclaw?
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 Wroclaw in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Wroclaw. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.
Dresden is around the same temperature as Wroclaw in the summer. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Wroclaw fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In July, Dresden usually receives less rain than Wroclaw. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDresden 20°C (68°F)Wroclaw 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Dresden or Wroclaw in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Wroclaw. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Dresden is around the same temperature as Wroclaw. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dresden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Wroclaw averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Wroclaw. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDresden 11°C (51°F)Wroclaw 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Dresden or Wroclaw in the Winter?
Both Wroclaw and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Wroclaw can be very cold during winter. Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dresden is generally much warmer than Wroclaw. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 1°C (33°F), and Wroclaw fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).
In January, Dresden usually receives more rain than Wroclaw. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDresden 1°C (33°F)Wroclaw -1°C (30°F)
Should I visit Dresden or Wroclaw in the Spring?
Both Wroclaw and Dresden during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.
Dresden is a little warmer than Wroclaw in the spring. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Wroclaw fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Dresden usually gets more rain in April than Wroclaw. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDresden 10°C (50°F)Wroclaw 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Wroclaw and Dresden
| Dresden | Wroclaw | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 37 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.