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

Should you visit Katowice or Tromso?

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

Should I visit Katowice or Tromso? 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso

The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso is $112. 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 Tromso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Katowice $19
    Tromso $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Katowice $38
    Tromso $110
Compare Hotels in Katowice and Tromso

Looking for a hotel in Katowice or Tromso? 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 Tromso


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 Tromso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Katowice $12
    Tromso $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

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

  • Private Airport and City Transfer in Tromso: $82
  • Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Katowice or Tromso?

Prices for flights to both Tromso 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
    Tromso $38

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

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

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $167
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $173
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $186
  • Fjord Cruise Expedition with Dinner,Tromso: $206
  • Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner: $250
  • Aurora Borealis Cruise with Dinner in Tromso: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Katowice $6.40
    Tromso $17

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

Tours and Activities in Tromso

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.

  • Touring-Trekking Bicycle Rental in Tromso - 1 to 2 Days: $46
  • Experience the Full Steam Storytelling Package: $46
  • Tromso Embrace the Spirits of the North Tasting Experience: $63
  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $74
  • Experience Cross-Country Adventure in Tromsø: $93
  • Northern Lights Walking Tour: $111
  • Fjord & History Cruise: $111
  • Tromso Sightseeing with E-Bike: $112
  • Half Day Arctic Fjord Cruise from Tromso: $117
  • History Fjordcruise Around The Isle Of Tromso - Luxury Catamaran: $121
  • From Tromso all- inclusive Midnight sun cruise by Boat: $126
  • Puppy Training Experience at a Husky Farm in Tromso: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Katowice $5.69
    Tromso $8.36

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


Which is Bigger, Katowice or Tromso?

Katowice has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Katowice and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Katowice as well as Tromso. Additionally, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Katowice is a little warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Katowice in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katowice this time of the year. In the summer, Katowice often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso. Katowice gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.

Katowice usually gets more rain in July than Tromso. Katowice gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Katowice or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Katowice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In October, Katowice is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Katowice average around 10°C (50°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Katowice usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Katowice gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In October, Katowice usually receives less rain than Tromso. Katowice gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Katowice 10°C (50°F) 
    Tromso 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Katowice during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. The weather in Katowice can be very cold. Katowice is much warmer than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Katowice averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Katowice often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Katowice gets 51 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Katowice -2°C (28°F) 
    Tromso -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Katowice and Tromso. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In the spring, Katowice is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Katowice in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Katowice usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso during spring. Katowice gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Katowice usually receives less rain than Tromso. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Katowice 8°C (46°F) 
    Tromso 1°C (33°F)

Typical Weather for Tromso and Katowice

Katowice Tromso
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in) -4°C (25°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -4°C (25°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 1°C (33°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) -1°C (31°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in) -3°C (27°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)