Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Krakow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Krakow or Katowice?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Krakow or Katowice? 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 Katowice?
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.
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 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrakow $64Katowice $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Krakow is $64, while the average daily cost in Katowice is $46. 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 Katowice in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrakow $42Katowice $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrakow $84Katowice $38
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Katowice
Looking for a hotel in Krakow 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.
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 Katowice Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krakow $6.40Katowice $12
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
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Katowice?
Prices for flights to both Katowice 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 $13Katowice $19
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
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krakow $20Katowice $6.40
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
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrakow $6.75Katowice $5.69
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 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 Krakow and Katowice, we can see that Krakow 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 Krakow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Krakow 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 Krakow Expensive? and Is Katowice Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krakow or Katowice?
Krakow has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Krakow 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 Krakow 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 Krakow or Katowice in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Katowice.
In July, Krakow is generally around the same temperature as Katowice. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 19°C (67°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katowice this time of the year. In Krakow, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Katowice during summer. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Krakow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Katowice. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrakow 19°C (67°F)Katowice 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Katowice in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Katowice.
Krakow is around the same temperature as Katowice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Katowice fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the autumn, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Katowice. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun.
Krakow usually gets more rain in October than Katowice. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrakow 11°C (51°F)Katowice 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Katowice in the Winter?
Both Katowice and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Katowice can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Krakow. In the winter, Krakow is a little warmer than Katowice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krakow in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Katowice averages at about -2°C (28°F).
Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Katowice during winter. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Krakow usually receives less rain than Katowice. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrakow -2°C (29°F)Katowice -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Katowice in the Spring?
Both Katowice and Krakow during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Krakow is generally a little warmer than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 10°C (50°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Katowice. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun.
Krakow usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Katowice. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrakow 10°C (50°F)Katowice 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Katowice and Krakow
| Krakow | Katowice | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 0°C (32°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.