A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krakow vs. Maribor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krakow or Maribor?

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

Should I visit Krakow or Maribor? 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 Maribor?

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.

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

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 in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Maribor or Krakow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Krakow is $64, while the average daily cost in Maribor is $81. 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 Maribor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krakow $42
    Maribor $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krakow $84
    Maribor $94
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Maribor

Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Maribor? 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 Krakow


Hotels in Maribor


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 Maribor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krakow $6.40
    Maribor $9.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • 1945-1989 Communism Tour of Krakow Nowa Huta with Transfers: $160
  • 1945-1989 Communism Tour of Krakow Nowa Huta with Transfers: $171
  • Airport Transfer (Krakow - Katowice): $100
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Krakow Airport KRK to Krakow City by Business Car: $39
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Krakow Airport KRK to Krakow City by Luxury Van: $54
  • Auschwitz - Birkenau Roundtrip Transfer with assistance: $17
  • Auschwitz Birkenau Transfer Service- Private Driver from Krakow: $109
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Transfer from Krakow: $12
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with Private Transfers from Krakow: $217
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer: $35
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Transfer, eBook and Optional Guide: $32
  • Balice KRK airport OneWay PRIVATE TRANSFER to/from Krakow’s hotel: $29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Maribor

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Maribor:


  • Gondola (for 2)
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maribor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maribor:

  • Private Transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $252
  • Private transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana city: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Maribor?

Prices for flights to both Maribor 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Krakow $13
    Maribor $28

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 Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Maribor:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $26
  • Gostilnica Navogalu Cafe Lunch
    $8.04

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krakow $20
    Maribor $9.18

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krakow $6.75
    Maribor $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:


  • 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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Maribor:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $12


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


Which is Bigger, Krakow or Maribor?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Maribor, 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 Maribor?

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 Maribor in the Summer?

Both Maribor and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Krakow is cooler than Maribor in the summer. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Maribor fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Maribor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krakow. Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Maribor during summer. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Krakow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Maribor. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krakow 19°C (67°F) 
    Maribor 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Maribor in the Autumn?

Both Maribor and Krakow during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Krakow is cooler than Maribor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krakow in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Maribor averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Maribor. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets less rain in October than Maribor. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krakow 11°C (51°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Maribor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Maribor.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Maribor. It's quite cold in Krakow in the winter. In January, Krakow is generally much colder than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around -2°C (29°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Maribor during winter. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Krakow usually receives less rain than Maribor. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krakow -2°C (29°F) 
    Maribor 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Maribor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Maribor.

Krakow is cooler than Maribor in the spring. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Maribor. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets less rain in April than Maribor. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krakow 10°C (50°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Maribor and Krakow

Krakow Maribor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)