Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Krakow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Krakow or Barcelona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Krakow or Barcelona? 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: Krakow or Barcelona?
Krakow
Krakow is Poland's second largest city. It sits on both sides of the Wisla River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. There are more than 1.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Krakow is known as a historical and beautiful city that is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up a large part of the city's economy, but there is also a university and several local colleges which are major employers as well. Technology has grown in recent years and the city has some notable employees including Google, IBM and Motorola. Other important industries include steel, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrakow $64Barcelona $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Krakow is $64, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is $167. 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 Krakow and Barcelona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrakow $42Barcelona $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrakow $84Barcelona $206
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Barcelona
Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Barcelona? 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.
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: Krakow Hotel Prices and Barcelona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krakow $6.40Barcelona $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:
- Kraków: Kraków Airport to Central Bus Station Bus Transfer: $5.31
- From Auschwitz-Birkenau Roundtrip Bus Transfer: $6.19
- Balice Airport Luxury Vehicle Private Transfer: $9.91
- Private Transfer to or from Krakow Airport: $10
- Private Transfer to/from Krakow Airport (KRK): $11
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Transfer from Krakow: $12
- Krakow Airport Transfer Balice: $14
- Krakow Airport Private Transfers: $15
- Electric Car Transfer between Krakow and the Airport: $15
- Kraków: Airport Private Transfer by Luxury Car: $16
- Auschwitz - Birkenau Roundtrip Transfer with assistance: $17
- Kraków Airport Private Transfer - Kraków City Center: $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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10 Trip Metro Ticket$8.36
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Airport Bus$5.36
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Metro$2.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Airport to Barcelona City transfer : $31
- Barcelona Airport to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $40
- Barcelona City to Sant Train Station Barcelona private transfer: $31
- Transfer From Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Cruise Port: $40
- Airport Transfers Barcelona Minivan : $75
- Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $31
- Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona: $33
- Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Car: $130
- Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $75
- Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Barcelona?
Prices for flights to both Barcelona and Krakow 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
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Food Meals for one dayKrakow $13Barcelona $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Krakow.
- Walking Street Food Tour: $22
- From Polish Folk Show with All-You-Can-Eat Dinner: $32
- Polish Folk Show and Dinner From Krakow: $40
- Folk Show & 3-Course Dinner at Jama Michalika Café: $44
- Romantic Dinner with a Cruise on the Vistula River: $47
- Brewery Dinner -center of Krakow : $49
- Krakow : Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun ! Book Now!: $59
- Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun in Krakow: $63
- Cabaret Show with Optional Dinner: $69
- Half-Day Krakow Food Tour in Old Town and Kazimierz: $83
- 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $88
- Polish Pierogi Cooking Class with Farmer's Market Shopping: $97
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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Hot Cocoa & Churro$4.45
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Sandwich$1.82
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Baguette & Horchata$4.07
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Tapas on the beach$8.88
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Gelatto$2.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
- Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
- Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
- Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
- Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
- Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
- Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krakow $20Barcelona $36
Tours and Activities in Krakow
Here are a few actual costs in Krakow for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kraków in a nutshell - walking tour: $1.24
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Old Town Audio-Guided Walking Tour with Headset: $3.72
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- Old Town Audioguided walking Tour: $4.46
- Tadeusz Kościuszko Mound Entry Tickets: $4.71
- From Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour: $4.95
- Wawel Hill Tour with Audio Guide: $5.57
- Tadeusz Kościuszko Mound Entrance Tickets: $5.62
- From Kraków: Wieliczka Salt Mine Trip & Guided Tour: $6.19
- Skip the Line Ticket for Kościuszko Mound in Krakow: $6.59
- Wawel Hill Audioguide Tour: $6.69
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
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Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass$45
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Souvenir Gaudi Book$9.16
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Admission to Museo Picasso$6.43
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $2.14
- History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.94
- Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.21
- Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.21
- Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.21
- Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.21
- Gaudí Walking Tour: $3.21
- Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
- Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.27
- Sagrada Familia Exterior Free Tour: Stories, Secrets & Symbolism: $3.27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrakow $6.75Barcelona $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:
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Vodka$13
Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Krakow:
- Pub Crawl with 1 Hour of Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks: $22
- Kazimierz Pub Crawl with 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks: $22
- Pub Crawl - 1-hour Open Bar then Vip to 5 Clubs - Krakow: $24
- Halloween Pub Crawl - Krawl Through Krakow: $24
- Pub tour in Old Town with 1 hour open bar with a guide.: $25
- Kazimierz Pub Crawl + 1-hour Open Bar: $25
- Pub Crawl with Shots, Drinks & Skip-the-Line Entry: $25
- Pub Crawl of Kazimierz Jewish Quarter with a Local Guide : $25
- Three-Hour Pub Crawl: $39
- Wieliczka Vineyard: Wine tasting with local snacks: $44
- Hoppy tours - Krakow brewery tour : $56
- Krakow Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
- Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
- Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
- Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
- Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krakow and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Krakow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Krakow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krakow 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Krakow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krakow Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krakow or Barcelona?
Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Krakow. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Barcelona, 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 Krakow or Barcelona?
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 Krakow or Barcelona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Barcelona. Furthermore, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Krakow is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krakow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Krakow, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Krakow usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrakow 19°C (67°F)Barcelona 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Barcelona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Barcelona. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Krakow is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 11°C (51°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.
Krakow usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrakow 11°C (51°F)Barcelona 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Barcelona in the Winter?
Both Barcelona and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
The weather in Krakow can be very cold. Krakow is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Krakow usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrakow -2°C (29°F)Barcelona 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Barcelona in the Spring?
Both Barcelona and Krakow during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Krakow is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krakow in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.
Krakow usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Barcelona. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrakow 10°C (50°F)Barcelona 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Barcelona and Krakow
| Krakow | Barcelona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.