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

Should you visit Krakow or Positano?

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

Should I visit Krakow or Positano? 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 Positano?

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.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Positano 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 Positano is $238. 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 Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krakow $42
    Positano $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krakow $84
    Positano $316
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Positano? 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 Positano


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 Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krakow $6.40
    Positano $8.28

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 OkÄ™cie: $278
  • Private transfer from Katowice AirPort to Krakow City: $272

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano

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


  • Bus Ticket
    $1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Amalfi and Positano cruise with transfer included: $94
  • Cozy Private Door-to-Door Transfer from Positano to Naples: $145
  • From Sorrento & Pompeii Private Tour w/ Transfers: $642
  • From Salerno Station: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $266
  • From the Coast: Pompeii the Real All Inclusive Service(Guide,Transfer,Ticket): $257
  • Naples: Private Minivan Transfer to or from the Amalfi Coast: $123
  • Positano or Ravello to Naples airport/station private departure transfer: $176
  • Positano to Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $224
  • Positano to Napoli Airport (NAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Naples: $133
  • Private Transfer to Naples with WiFi: $214
  • Private Transfer to Sorrento, Rome or Naples: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano 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
    Positano $57

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 Positano

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $33
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    $9.99
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
  • Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
  • Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
  • Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
  • Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krakow $20
    Positano $65

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 Positano

For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    $18
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    $86
  • Sunset Cruise
    $26
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    $104
  • Cooking Class
    $70

Tours and Activities in Positano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.

  • From Sorrento: Positano Mini Cruise: $36
  • Positano Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $66
  • Sunset Tour Experience - Shared: $75
  • Amalfi Coast Sunset Group Boat Tour with Prosecco: $80
  • Golden Hour around Positano Sunset Group Cruise : $82
  • Unforgettable sunset tour in Positano: $87
  • From Amalfi Coast Sunset Cruise - Group Tour: $97
  • Sunset Group Boat Tour from Positano or Praiano: $104
  • Full Day Amalfi Small Group Cruise from Positano : $104
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $106
  • Sunset Boat Cruise from Maiori: $106
  • Sunset Boat Cruise from Amalfi: $106

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krakow $6.75
    Positano $17
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 Positano

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


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:

  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
  • Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
  • Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246


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


Which is Bigger, Krakow or Positano?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Krakow during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Krakow is cooler than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Krakow. In the summer, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Positano. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krakow 19°C (67°F) 
    Positano 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Positano. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the autumn, Krakow is much colder than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krakow in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Krakow usually receives less rain than Positano. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krakow 11°C (51°F) 
    Positano 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Positano. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Krakow in the winter. In January, Krakow is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around -2°C (29°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Positano. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Krakow usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krakow -2°C (29°F) 
    Positano 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Krakow usually receives less rain than Positano. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Positano and Krakow

Krakow Positano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)