Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Gdansk?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Gdansk or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gdansk or San Sebastian, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Gdansk or San Sebastian?
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.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGdansk $54San Sebastian $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Gdansk is $54, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is $96. 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 Gdansk and San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGdansk $27San Sebastian $43
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGdansk $54San Sebastian $86
Compare Hotels in Gdansk and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Gdansk or San Sebastian? 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: Gdansk Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gdansk $8.53San Sebastian $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:
- Gdańsk Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Elblag: $15
- Gdańsk Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Ostróda: $23
- Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport (GDN) to Gdynia Cruise Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Gdynia Cruise Port to Gdansk Airport (GDN): $28
- Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Gdansk city: $33
- Private Transfer from Gdansk city to Gdansk (GDN) Airport: $33
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Gdansk HTL-APT (GDN): $34
- From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Sta: $36
- Alle Taxi - Airport Transfer Gdansk: $36
- Gdansk Airport: Private Transfer to Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia: $37
- Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Gdynia City: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Minivan: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
- Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
Is it cheaper to fly into Gdansk or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian and Gdansk 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 dayGdansk $20San Sebastian $33
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
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Dinner for 2$59
-
Lunch for 2$11
-
Lunch for 2$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
- Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
- Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
- Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
- I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
- Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
- History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gdansk $8.13San Sebastian $36
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Valle de los Caídos Monument$6.43
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- San Sebastian Walking Tour With Pintxo And Drink: $16
- Guided tour of San Sebastián: $19
- Walking Tour in San Sebastian: $43
- Electric scooter city tour: $45
- City tour, bike ride: $45
- San Sebastian : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
- Private Walking Tour in San Sebastian with Pintxo and Drink: $54
- San Sebastián City Bike tour : $54
- Private Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour of San Sebastian: $60
- Hondarribia, S.Juan & S.Pedro Small Group Tour from San Sebastian: $60
- Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián : $61
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGdansk $4.74San Sebastian $21
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
Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
- Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
- Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
- Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gdansk and San Sebastian, we can see that San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Sebastian 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 Gdansk Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gdansk or San Sebastian?
Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Gdansk and San Sebastian, 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 Gdansk or San Sebastian?
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 Gdansk or San Sebastian in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gdansk and San Sebastian. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
In July, Gdansk is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Gdansk average around 17°C (63°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Gdansk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gdansk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during summer. Gdansk gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gdansk usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Gdansk gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGdansk 17°C (63°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Gdansk or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gdansk as well as San Sebastian. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene.
Gdansk is much colder than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gdansk averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Gdansk often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Gdansk gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Gdansk usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Gdansk gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGdansk 8°C (46°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Gdansk or San Sebastian in the Winter?
Both San Sebastian and Gdansk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Gdansk. In the winter, Gdansk is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gdansk in January average around -2°C (28°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Gdansk usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Gdansk gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In January, Gdansk usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Gdansk gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGdansk -2°C (28°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Gdansk or San Sebastian in the Spring?
Both San Sebastian and Gdansk during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches during these months.
In April, Gdansk is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Gdansk average around 6°C (43°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Gdansk often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Gdansk gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gdansk usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Gdansk gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGdansk 6°C (43°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Gdansk
| Gdansk | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.