Which place is cheaper, Krakow or Geneva?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Geneva or Krakow?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Krakow. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Geneva or Krakow?
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
Krakow
Krakow is Poland's second largest city. It sits on both sides of the Wisla River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. There are more than 1.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Krakow is known as a historical and beautiful city that is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up a large part of the city's economy, but there is also a university and several local colleges which are major employers as well. Technology has grown in recent years and the city has some notable employees including Google, IBM and Motorola. Other important industries include steel, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGeneva $210Krakow $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $210, while the average daily cost in Krakow is $64. 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 Geneva and Krakow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGeneva $145Krakow $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGeneva $290Krakow $84
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Krakow
Looking for a hotel in Geneva or Krakow? 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: Geneva Hotel Prices and Krakow Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Geneva $9.38Krakow $6.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Airport Transfer Geneva Airport to Villars sur Ollon: $361
- Airport transfer - Geneva city center: $134
- Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
- Departure Transfer from Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by MiniVan: $95
- From Private Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $267
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $131
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Courchevel (FR) Arrival Private Transfer: $174
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Meribel (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $195
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Montreux - Arrival Private Transfer: $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:
- 1945-1989 Communism Tour of Krakow Nowa Huta with Transfers: $160
- 1945-1989 Communism Tour of Krakow Nowa Huta with Transfers: $171
- Airport Transfer (Krakow - Katowice): $100
- Arrival Private Transfer from Krakow Airport KRK to Krakow City by Business Car: $39
- Arrival Private Transfer from Krakow Airport KRK to Krakow City by Luxury Van: $54
- Auschwitz - Birkenau Roundtrip Transfer with assistance: $17
- Auschwitz Birkenau Transfer Service- Private Driver from Krakow: $109
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Transfer from Krakow: $12
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with Private Transfers from Krakow: $217
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer: $35
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Transfer, eBook and Optional Guide: $32
- Balice KRK airport OneWay PRIVATE TRANSFER to/from Krakow’s hotel: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Krakow?
Prices for flights to both Krakow and Geneva 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 dayGeneva $52Krakow $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
- Food tour in Geneva: $2,406
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Krakow.
- Walking Street Food Tour: $22
- From Polish Folk Show with All-You-Can-Eat Dinner: $32
- Polish Folk Show and Dinner From Krakow: $40
- Folk Show & 3-Course Dinner at Jama Michalika Café: $44
- Romantic Dinner with a Cruise on the Vistula River: $47
- Brewery Dinner -center of Krakow : $49
- Krakow : Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun ! Book Now!: $59
- Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun in Krakow: $63
- Cabaret Show with Optional Dinner: $69
- Half-Day Krakow Food Tour in Old Town and Kazimierz: $83
- 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $88
- Polish Pierogi Cooking Class with Farmer's Market Shopping: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Geneva $30Krakow $20
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
- Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
Tours and Activities in Krakow
Here are a few actual costs in Krakow for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kraków in a nutshell - walking tour: $1.24
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Old Town Audio-Guided Walking Tour with Headset: $3.72
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- Old Town Audioguided walking Tour: $4.46
- Tadeusz Kościuszko Mound Entry Tickets: $4.71
- From Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour: $4.95
- Wawel Hill Tour with Audio Guide: $5.57
- Tadeusz Kościuszko Mound Entrance Tickets: $5.62
- From Kraków: Wieliczka Salt Mine Trip & Guided Tour: $6.19
- Skip the Line Ticket for Kościuszko Mound in Krakow: $6.59
- Wawel Hill Audioguide Tour: $6.69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGeneva $22Krakow $6.75
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:
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Vodka$13
Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Krakow:
- Pub Crawl with 1 Hour of Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks: $22
- Kazimierz Pub Crawl with 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks: $22
- Pub Crawl - 1-hour Open Bar then Vip to 5 Clubs - Krakow: $24
- Halloween Pub Crawl - Krawl Through Krakow: $24
- Pub tour in Old Town with 1 hour open bar with a guide.: $25
- Kazimierz Pub Crawl + 1-hour Open Bar: $25
- Pub Crawl with Shots, Drinks & Skip-the-Line Entry: $25
- Pub Crawl of Kazimierz Jewish Quarter with a Local Guide : $25
- Three-Hour Pub Crawl: $39
- Wieliczka Vineyard: Wine tasting with local snacks: $44
- Hoppy tours - Krakow brewery tour : $56
- Krakow Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Krakow, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Krakow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Krakow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krakow 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva than you might in Krakow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Geneva Expensive? and Is Krakow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Geneva or Krakow?
Krakow has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Krakow, 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 Geneva or Krakow?
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 Geneva or Krakow in the Summer?
Both Krakow and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
In July, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Krakow. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Krakow. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Krakow. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGeneva 22°C (71°F)Krakow 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Krakow in the Autumn?
Both Krakow and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Geneva is a little warmer than Krakow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 97 hours of full sun.
Geneva usually gets more rain in October than Krakow. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGeneva 14°C (56°F)Krakow 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Krakow in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Krakow. Many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Krakow can be very cold during winter. Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Geneva is much warmer than Krakow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Krakow averages at about -2°C (29°F).
Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Geneva usually receives more rain than Krakow. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGeneva 4°C (39°F)Krakow -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Krakow in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Krakow. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Krakow. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 132 hours of full sun.
Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Krakow. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGeneva 11°C (53°F)Krakow 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Krakow and Geneva
| Geneva | Krakow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.