A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mainz vs. Katowice for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mainz or Katowice?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Mainz and Katowice can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Mainz or Katowice?

Mainz

On the Rhine River, the ages of the medieval stand before you in their half-timbered constructions, giving this quaint, old town a hint of the spellbinding. A time capsule of Germany, Mainz is enriched by its vast history as well as its cosmopolitan air. Dating back to around 38 BC, Mainz was built by Romans and founded as the the episcopal seat of the influential Prince-Electors. With its history spanning more than 2,000 years, Mainz is rich in its exquisite architecture, such as its stunning cathedrals, medieval market squares, and Renaissance fountains. However, Mainz also has been blessed with the joys and comforts of modernization, giving way to fantastic shopping centers, tasty restaurants, and absolutely fascinating museums. A media hub and regional capital, Mainz is also known as the wine capital of Germany as its civilians have a long history of winegrowing throughout the city. Whether you seek to oogle at artifacts at the Gutenberg Museum or sit a spell at one of the town's fine eateries, the possibilities are endless in Mainz!

Katowice

Katowice is a city east of Krakow, in the Silesian province of southern Poland. A large dome crowns the Cathedral of Christ the King, built between 1927 and 1955. The adjacent Archdiocesan Museum exhibits Silesian sacred art. The ultramodern Silesian Museum features several glass structures on the site of a former coal mine. It exhibits Polish art and chronicles the history of Upper Silesia. Historically, Katowice is a product of the 19th-century industrial boom, but it only became a city in the interwar period. After WWII, at the height of the Stalinist cult craze, the city was renamed Stalinogrod, but reverted to its old name soon after Comrade Joe died in 1953. Katowice has few significant historical monuments, but it's a major commercial and cultural center and holds sufficient attractions to make it worth a stop.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw.


Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Mainz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mainz is €142, while the average daily cost in Katowice is €43. 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 Mainz and Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Katowice 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Katowice 36
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Katowice? 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 Mainz


Hotels in Katowice


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: Mainz Hotel Prices and Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Katowice 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

  • Katowice Pyrzowice KTW to Krakow City Private Transfer: $129
  • Katowice Airport: Private Transfer to or from Krakow: $186
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers: $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $199

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice and Mainz 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
    Mainz 41
    Katowice 18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Katowice

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Katowice.

  • Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Katowice 6.00

Tours and Activities in Mainz

For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $8.45
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $21
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $22
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $22
  • Crime-Tour - Escape Game: $42
  • Self-Guided Urban Adventure Game: $43
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $43
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $51
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $82
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95

Tours and Activities in Katowice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katowice are as follows:

  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket: $54
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau - Skip the Line Tickets : $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $32
  • Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz Birkenau with Guide and FREE ebook: $32
  • From Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $95
  • Jasna Gora and Czestochowa Private Tour from Katowice by Car: $349
  • Katowice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $99
  • Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $160
  • Katowice Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $159
  • Katowice and Nikiszowiec: bicycle tour with guide: $42
  • Private City Tour with Stories & Viewing Points: $154
  • Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Katowice 5.33

Sample the Local Flavors in Katowice

Also in Katowice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Tyskie Brewery Tour: $111


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mainz and Katowice, we can see that Mainz is more expensive. And not only is Katowice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Katowice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Katowice 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 Mainz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mainz than you might in Katowice.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mainz Expensive? and Is Katowice Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Katowice?

Katowice has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Katowice, 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 Mainz or Katowice?

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 Mainz or Katowice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Katowice. Many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mainz is around the same temperature as Katowice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Katowice averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katowice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. In the summer, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Katowice. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Katowice 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Katowice in the Autumn?

Both Katowice and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Katowice. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Katowice during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives more rain than Katowice. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Katowice 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Katowice in the Winter?

Both Katowice and Mainz during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Katowice can be very cold. Mainz can be very cold during winter. Mainz is much warmer than Katowice in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Katowice fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Katowice. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Katowice. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Katowice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Katowice. The spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mainz is a little warmer than Katowice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Katowice averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Katowice. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Katowice 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Katowice and Mainz

Mainz Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)