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

Should you visit Katowice or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Katowice or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb is $82. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Katowice $19
    Zagreb $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Katowice $38
    Zagreb $102
Compare Hotels in Katowice and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Katowice or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Katowice $12
    Zagreb $9.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $6.95
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
  • Zagreb to Franjo Tudman Airport(ZAG) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $20
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $32
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $40
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $41
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $43
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Train or Bus Station by car or van: $47
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City by Business Car: $47
  • Private Transfer: Zagreb to Zagreb International Airport (ZAG): $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Katowice or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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
    Zagreb $18

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 Zagreb

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Katowice $6.40
    Zagreb $13

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 Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.49
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
  • Small-Group Walking Highlights Tour: $16
  • City Walking Tour w/ Funicular Ride and WW2 Tunnels: $19
  • City Walking Tour with Funicular Ride & WW2 Tunnels: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Katowice $5.69
    Zagreb $9.49

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 Zagreb

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

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208


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


Which is Bigger, Katowice or Zagreb?

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

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Katowice and Zagreb. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Katowice is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Katowice averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Katowice, it's very sunny this time of the year. Katowice usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Katowice gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Katowice usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Katowice gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Katowice 18°C (64°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Katowice as well as Zagreb. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the autumn, Katowice is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Katowice in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Katowice often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Katowice gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Katowice usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Katowice gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Katowice 10°C (50°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Katowice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. It's quite cold in Katowice in the winter. In January, Katowice is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Katowice average around -2°C (28°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Katowice usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during winter. Katowice gets 51 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Katowice usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Katowice -2°C (28°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Katowice during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

Katowice is much colder than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Katowice averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Katowice often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Katowice gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Katowice usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Katowice 8°C (46°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Katowice

Katowice Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)