Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Krakow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Krakow or Oslo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Krakow or Oslo? 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 Oslo?
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.
Oslo
Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrakow $64Oslo $136
The average daily cost (per person) in Krakow is $64, while the average daily cost in Oslo is $136. 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 Oslo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrakow $42Oslo $81
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrakow $84Oslo $162
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Oslo
Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Oslo? 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 Oslo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krakow $6.40Oslo $23
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 Oslo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:
-
Tram Ticket$6.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:
- Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $131
- Arrival Private Transfer Oslo OSL Airport to Oslo by Business Car: $115
- Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $155
- Departure Private Transfer from Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $114
- Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $106
- Oslo Airport (OSL): Private Transfer to Oslo Cruise Port: $486
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Car: $148
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $229
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Car: $147
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van: $238
- Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
- Oslo Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Oslo hotels: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Oslo?
Prices for flights to both Oslo 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 $13Oslo $30
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 Oslo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.
- Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
- Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
- Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
- Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
- 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
- Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $121
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krakow $20Oslo $19
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 Oslo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:
- Explore Oslo with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.21
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Walking Tour in Oslo in English: $4.41
- Tour a Pie en Oslo en Español: $4.41
- Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
- An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
- Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Oslo Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $8.02
- Discover Oslo's Heart: Audio Tour Through Time and Beauty: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Fram Museum Admission Ticket: $13
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrakow $6.75Oslo $11
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krakow and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krakow or Oslo?
Krakow has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Oslo, 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 Oslo?
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 Oslo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Oslo. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Krakow is around the same temperature as Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krakow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In Krakow, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Krakow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrakow 19°C (67°F)Oslo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Oslo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Oslo. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Krakow is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 11°C (51°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the autumn, Krakow often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.
Krakow usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrakow 11°C (51°F)Oslo 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Oslo in the Winter?
Both Oslo and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Oslo can be very cold. Krakow can be very cold during winter. Krakow is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Krakow usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during winter. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Krakow usually receives less rain than Oslo. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrakow -2°C (29°F)Oslo -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Oslo in the Spring?
Both Oslo and Krakow during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.
In the spring, Krakow is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krakow in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the spring, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.
Krakow usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrakow 10°C (50°F)Oslo 6°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Oslo and Krakow
| Krakow | Oslo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.