Which place is cheaper, Milan or Krakow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Krakow or Milan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Krakow or Milan? 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 Milan?
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.
Milan
Milan, known to most of the world as the capital of fashion and style, is also the heart of Italian industry and economics. Between the stock exchange, cathedrals and boutiques, this metropolis is a city-lover's dream come true. It is an escape from the stresses of the real world, and provides a playground for all the world's most lavish luxuries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrakow $64Milan $180
The average daily cost (per person) in Krakow is $64, while the average daily cost in Milan is $180. 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 Milan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrakow $42Milan $104
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrakow $84Milan $208
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Milan
Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Milan? 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 Milan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krakow $6.40Milan $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:
- Private Transfer to or from Berlin: $929
- Private Transfer to or from Budapest: $867
- Warsaw to Luxury Private Transfer: $747
- From Gdansk or One-Way Private Transfer: $669
- Private Transfer to or from Bratislava: $619
- Private transfer! Warsaw Chopin Airport - Krakow City Center: $470
- Private transfer from Krakow to Budapest or from Budapest to Krakow: $299
- Private door-to-door transfer from Krakow to Budapest: $291
- Warsaw - Premium-Class Private Airport Transfer: $288
- Transfer from Krakow (Balice airport) to Krynica Zdroj : $283
- Private Transfer Airport to Warszawa Okęcie: $278
- Private transfer from Katowice AirPort to Krakow City: $272
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:
-
Train to Airport$7.58
-
Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)$24
-
Taxi From Airport$97
-
Public Transit Day Pass$4.87
-
Short Taxi Ride$7.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan
Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Milan to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer : $46
- Milan to Como hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $107
- Airport Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan by Luxury Van: $140
- Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Car LIN airport to Milan: $102
- Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van LIN airport to Milan: $81
- Arrival Private Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan in Luxury Van: $139
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse in Luxury Van: $92
- BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - MILANO airport transfer: $191
- BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - Milano airport transfer with private Luxury Van: $186
- Basel : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $1,016
- Bellagio : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $278
- Bergamo Airport(BGY) to Val Gardena/Alta Badia - Arrival Transfer: $193
Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Milan?
Prices for flights to both Milan 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 dayKrakow $13Milan $42
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 Milan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:
-
Snack at Train Station$9.32
-
Restaurant Pizza$7.15
-
Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)$30
-
Three Course Dinner (for Two)$70
-
Cappuccino$1.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan
For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
- Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
- Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
- Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
- Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
- Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
- Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krakow $20Milan $33
Tours and Activities in Krakow
Here are a few actual costs in Krakow for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour from Krakow: $64
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine 1-Day Tour: $141
- Rynek Underground Museum Guided Tour: $25
- Rynek Underground Museum, Old Town and St. Mary's Basilica Tour: $50
- 1 Day Auschwitz Birkenau Museum Guided Tour Hotel Pick up: $44
- 1 Day Trip Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour from Krakow: $34
- 1-Hour Tour to Krakow's Old Town by Electric Golf Cart: $21
- 120 min Old Town Segway Tour in Krakow: $49
- 2 Days Tour in Wawel Hill, Jewish Quarter and Wieliczka with Guide and Lunch: $187
- 2 Hour Private Pinball and Arcade Museum Tour from Krakow: $273
- 2 Hours Old Town Guided Bike Tour in Krakow: $27
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in The Old Town of Krakow: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan
For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Stairs to Duomo Rooftop$7.58
Tours and Activities in Milan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- The City Storytelling Experience: Art, History and Myths Come Together: $3.26
- Milano Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $4.19
- Giuseppe Verdi in Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.60
- Unique Self-Guided Audio Tour on Alessandro Manzoni: $4.60
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Age-Old Plants: $4.60
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring the Famous Five Days: $4.60
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
- Stories of the Fashion Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Milan: $5.49
- The Best of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Branca Tower Entrance Ticket: $6.42
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrakow $6.75Milan $26
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 Milan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:
-
Cocktail at a Bar$9.10
-
Beer$3.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Milan
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:
- Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
- Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
- Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
- Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
- Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
- Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
- Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
- Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
- Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
- Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
- Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
- Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krakow and Milan, we can see that Milan 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krakow or Milan?
Milan has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Krakow. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Milan, 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 Milan?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Krakow or Milan in the Summer?
Both Milan and Krakow during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Krakow is cooler than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Krakow. In the summer, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Milan. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.
Krakow usually gets more rain in July than Milan. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrakow 19°C (67°F)Milan 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Milan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Milan. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Krakow is cooler than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krakow in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Krakow usually receives less rain than Milan. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrakow 11°C (51°F)Milan 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Milan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Milan. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.
It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. The weather in Krakow can be very cold. In January, Krakow is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around -2°C (29°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the winter, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Milan. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.
Krakow usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrakow -2°C (29°F)Milan 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Milan in the Spring?
Both Milan and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Krakow is cooler than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Krakow usually receives less rain than Milan. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrakow 10°C (50°F)Milan 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Milan and Krakow
| Krakow | Milan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.