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

Should you visit Katowice or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Katowice or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is $70. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Katowice $19
    Sarajevo $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Katowice $38
    Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Katowice and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Katowice or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo


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 and Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Katowice $12
    Sarajevo $7.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

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

  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $27
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $30
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Ilidža: $33
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Downtown to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Katowice or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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
    Sarajevo $31

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

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

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

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Katowice $6.40
    Sarajevo $12

Tours and Activities in Katowice

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

  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket: $55
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau - Skip the Line Tickets : $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $32
  • Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz Birkenau with Guide and FREE ebook: $32
  • From Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $95
  • Jasna Gora and Czestochowa Private Tour from Katowice by Car: $349
  • Katowice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $99
  • Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $160
  • Katowice Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $159
  • Katowice and Nikiszowiec: bicycle tour with guide: $42
  • Private City Tour with Stories & Viewing Points: $154
  • Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau: $156

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.64

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

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

  • Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
  • SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
  • Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
  • Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
  • Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Katowice $5.69
    Sarajevo $7.34

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Katowice and Sarajevo, we can see that Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Katowice or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Katowice and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Katowice or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Katowice during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Katowice is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Katowice averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Katowice. In the summer, Katowice often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Katowice gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Katowice usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Katowice gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Katowice 18°C (64°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Katowice and Sarajevo. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Katowice is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Katowice in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Katowice usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Katowice gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Katowice usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Katowice gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Katowice 10°C (50°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Katowice as well as Sarajevo. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Katowice in the winter. In January, Katowice is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Katowice average around -2°C (28°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Katowice often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Katowice gets 51 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Katowice usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Katowice -2°C (28°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Katowice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Katowice is much colder than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Katowice averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Katowice usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Katowice gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Katowice usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Katowice 8°C (46°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Katowice

Katowice Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)