A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Katowice vs. Alesund for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Katowice or Alesund?

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

Should I visit Katowice or Alesund? 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: Katowice or Alesund?

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.

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Katowice?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Katowice is $46, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $99. 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 Katowice and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Katowice $19
    Alesund $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Katowice $38
    Alesund $106
Compare Hotels in Katowice and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Katowice or Alesund? 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 Katowice


Hotels in Alesund


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: Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Katowice $12
    Alesund $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers: $32
  • Katowice Pyrzowice KTW to Krakow City Private Transfer: $129
  • Katowice Airport: Private Transfer to or from Krakow: $186
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $199

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Katowice or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Katowice 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
    Katowice $19
    Alesund $30

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Katowice $6.40
    Alesund $16

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

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • Varden Molde Panorama Hike Tour: $46
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $140
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Katowice $5.69
    Alesund $12

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 Katowice and Alesund, we can see that Alesund 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Katowice Expensive? and Is Alesund Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Katowice or Alesund?

Katowice has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Katowice and Alesund, 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 Katowice or Alesund?

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 Katowice or Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund and Katowice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In July, Katowice is generally a little warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Katowice average around 18°C (64°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In July, Katowice usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alesund. Katowice gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Katowice 18°C (64°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Katowice during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Katowice is a little warmer than Alesund in the autumn. The daily temperature in Katowice averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Katowice usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Katowice gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Katowice 10°C (50°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Katowice and Alesund. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alesund can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Katowice. In the winter, Katowice is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the winter temperatures in Katowice in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Alesund averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Katowice usually receives less rain than Alesund. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Katowice -2°C (28°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Katowice as well as Alesund. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during spring. In April, Katowice is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Katowice average around 8°C (46°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Katowice usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Katowice 8°C (46°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Katowice

Katowice Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)