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

Should you visit Kaunas or Katowice?

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 Kaunas and Katowice. 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: Kaunas or Katowice?

Kaunas

Kaunas is the second biggest city in Lithuania, located at the country's center. It is a city of medieval history as well as modern entertainment with castle ruins, churches, and cathedrals, as well as galleries, museums, theatres, and outdoor recreation.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Kaunas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kaunas is €95, while the average daily cost in Katowice is €43. 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 Kaunas and Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 44
    Katowice 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 88
    Katowice 36
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas or Katowice? 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 Kaunas


Hotels in Katowice


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: Kaunas Hotel Prices and Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 17
    Katowice 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

  • Private Transfer from Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by car: $46
  • Private Kaunas Airport to City Transfer: $48
  • Departure Private Transfer Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by Minivan: $56

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice and Kaunas 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
    Kaunas 37
    Katowice 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kaunas 19
    Katowice 6.00

Tours and Activities in Kaunas

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

  • Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $55
  • Recreational Tour in Kaunas - The City of Freedom: $64
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $76
  • Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $84
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $86
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $86
  • Kaunas city center tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $109
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $144
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $170
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $170
  • Kayak Tour in Nemunas: $185
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour: $191

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 16
    Katowice 5.33

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


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Katowice?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Katowice, 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 Kaunas or Katowice?

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 Kaunas or Katowice in the Summer?

Both Katowice and Kaunas 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 Kaunas this time of year.

In July, Kaunas is generally around the same temperature as Katowice. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 18°C (64°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Katowice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kaunas. Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kaunas 18°C (64°F) 
    Katowice 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Katowice in the Autumn?

Both Katowice and Kaunas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Kaunas is cooler than Katowice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Katowice fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Katowice. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets more rain in October than Katowice. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kaunas 8°C (46°F) 
    Katowice 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Katowice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Katowice. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Katowice can be very cold during winter. Kaunas can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kaunas is much colder than Katowice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kaunas in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Katowice averages at about -2°C (28°F).

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Katowice during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Katowice. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kaunas -5°C (23°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Katowice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Katowice. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Kaunas is generally cooler than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 7°C (44°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Katowice. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kaunas 7°C (44°F) 
    Katowice 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Katowice and Kaunas

Kaunas Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)