Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Krakow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Krakow or Santiago de Compostela?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Krakow or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela?
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.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrakow $64Santiago de Compostela $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Krakow is $64, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is $97. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrakow $42Santiago de Compostela $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrakow $84Santiago de Compostela $80
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Santiago de Compostela
Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krakow $6.40Santiago de Compostela $41
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:
- Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45
- Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
- Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
- Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Santiago de Compostela?
Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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 $13Santiago de Compostela $21
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 Santiago de Compostela
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:
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Raspberries$3.75
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Ice Cream$2.14
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Cookie$1.07
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Kebab$7.77
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Dinner & Tapas (for 2)$29
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Tuna Empanada$3.75
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Fruit Shake$3.75
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Crepe$4.29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krakow $20Santiago de Compostela $41
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 Santiago de Compostela
Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Old Town of Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour: $1.09
- Secrets of A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Secrets of Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Old town walking tour with an Official Guide: $11
- Guided Tour of the Old Town with an Official Guide: $11
- Hostal de los Reyes Católicos Tour: $13
- Land of Legends & Meigas Night Tour: $13
- Night Tour Land of Legends and Meigas: $13
- Queimada Experience Show and Tasting: $16
- Museum Tour of Galician Culture: $16
- Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour & Pórtico of Glory Option: $16
- Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrakow $6.75Santiago de Compostela $24
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:
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1 Pint Beer$2.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela
Also in Santiago de Compostela, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
- Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krakow and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krakow or Santiago de Compostela?
Krakow has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?
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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?
Both Santiago de Compostela and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.
In July, Krakow is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 19°C (67°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krakow. Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Krakow usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrakow 19°C (67°F)Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?
Both Santiago de Compostela and Krakow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Krakow is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.
Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Krakow usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrakow 11°C (51°F)Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Santiago de Compostela. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Krakow. In the winter, Krakow is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krakow in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.
Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Krakow usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrakow -2°C (29°F)Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Santiago de Compostela. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Krakow is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 10°C (50°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.
Krakow usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrakow 10°C (50°F)Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Krakow
| Krakow | Santiago de Compostela | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 128 mm (5 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.