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

Should you visit Potsdam or Katowice?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Potsdam and Katowice can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Potsdam or Katowice?

Potsdam

Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!

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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to 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 Potsdam?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Potsdam is €111, 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 Potsdam and Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Potsdam 60
    Katowice 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Potsdam 120
    Katowice 36
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Potsdam 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 Potsdam


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: Potsdam Hotel Prices and Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Potsdam 28
    Katowice 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice and Potsdam 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
    Potsdam 31
    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.
    Potsdam 25
    Katowice 6.00

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Tours and Activities in Katowice

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

  • Ticket Pass and Guided Tour in Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum: $28
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $32
  • Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz Birkenau with Guide and FREE ebook: $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau - Skip the Line Tickets : $32
  • Katowice and Nikiszowiec: bicycle tour with guide: $42
  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket: $55
  • From Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $95
  • Katowice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $99
  • Private City Tour with Stories & Viewing Points: $154
  • Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau: $156
  • Katowice Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $159
  • Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Potsdam 6.70
    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 Potsdam and Katowice, we can see that Potsdam 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 Potsdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Potsdam 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 Potsdam Expensive? and Is Katowice Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Katowice?

Katowice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam 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 Potsdam or Katowice?

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 Potsdam or Katowice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Katowice. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Potsdam is around the same temperature as Katowice in the summer. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katowice this time of the year. In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Katowice. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Potsdam or Katowice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Katowice. The autumn months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Potsdam is around the same temperature as Katowice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Potsdam in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Katowice averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Katowice. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Katowice. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Potsdam or Katowice in the Winter?

Both Katowice and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Katowice. It's quite cold in Potsdam in the winter. In January, Potsdam is generally much warmer than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around -0°C (31°F), and Katowice fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Katowice during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Katowice. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Katowice in the Spring?

Both Katowice and Potsdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Potsdam is a little warmer than Katowice in the spring. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F) 
    Katowice 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Katowice and Potsdam

Potsdam Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)