Which place is cheaper, Krakow or Poznan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Poznan or Krakow?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Poznan and Krakow. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Poznan or Krakow?
Poznan
Poznan is a city on the Warta River in western Poland. It's known for universities as well as its old town, with Renaissance-style buildings in Old Market Square. Poznan Town Hall houses the Historical Museum of Poznan, with exhibits on the city. The town hall's clock features mechanical goats that butt heads at noon. The Gothic and baroque Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is built on an island named Ostrow Tumski. The city's Old Town district is buzzing at any time of the day, and positively jumping by night, full of people heading to its many restaurants, pubs, and clubs. The combination of international business travelers attending its numerous trade fairs and the city's huge student population has created a distinctive vibe quite independent of tourism. Poznan is the capital of the Wielkopolska region of Poland, and has always played an important role in Poland's history and today remains one of the oldest, yet most vibrant and beautiful Polish cities.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Poland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPoznan $36Krakow $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Poznan is $36, while the average daily cost in Krakow is $68. 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 Poznan and Krakow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPoznan $18Krakow $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPoznan $36Krakow $88
Compare Hotels in Poznan and Krakow
Looking for a hotel in Poznan or Krakow? 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: Poznan Hotel Prices and Krakow Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Poznan $4.48Krakow $6.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Poznan
Also for Poznan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Poznan Private Transfer from Poznan Airport to City centre: $40
- Poznan Private Transfer from Poznan city centre to Poznan Airport: $40
- Poznan airport - Poznan City Private transfer: $60
- Private Airport Transfer to/from the City: $58
- Private Airport Transfer Poznan E-Class or Similar: $67
- Private Airport Transfer Poznań MINIVAN Vito or Similar: $112
- Private Transfer from Poznan city to Wroclaw (WRO) Airport: $245
- Private Transfer from Poznan to Termy Maltanskie: $71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:
- Warsaw to Luxury Private Transfer: $767
- Private Transfer to or from Bratislava: $636
- Private transfer! Warsaw Chopin Airport - Krakow City Center: $483
- Warsaw - Premium-Class Private Airport Transfer: $339
- Private Transfer from Krakow to Warsaw with 2h of Sightseeing: $296
- Transfer from Krakow (Balice airport) to Krynica Zdroj : $292
- Auschwitz- Birkenau one-day study tour from Krakow with private transfer: $269
- Krakow to or from Katowice Airport by Private Transfer: $268
- Wrocław Strachowice Airport Private Transfer: $267
- Fast Track Wawel Castle and Old Town Tour with Transfers: $264
- The Jewish History of Krakow with Guide, Tickets & Transfers: $263
- Private transfer from Krakow to Warsaw private driver service: $259
Is it cheaper to fly into Poznan or Krakow?
Prices for flights to both Krakow and Poznan 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 dayPoznan $11Krakow $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Poznan
For Poznan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- POLISH KITCHEN Taste of Poland - dinner in Polish Home + vodka: $65
- Poznan Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $183
- Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $184
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Krakow.
- Small-Group Online Cooking Class Polish Pierogi : $28
- Pierogi Cooking Class: Mastering the Art of Polish Dumplings: $76
- Half-Day Krakow Food Tour in Old Town and Kazimierz: $86
- Krakow Authentic Food Tour Poland: $106
- Secret Food Tours Krakow w/ Private Tour Option: $107
- Katowice Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $184
- Krakow Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Poznan $5.03Krakow $21
Tours and Activities in Poznan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Poznan.
- The Birthplace of Poland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Poznań: $5.00
- Old Town Guided Walking Tour in English: $18
- Old Town Poznan Walking Tour: $18
- Poznań Experience 2-Hours Guided Walking Tour: $26
- 2 Hour Private Poznan Highlights Tour: $37
- The Best of Poznan 4 Hour Guided Private Walking Tour: $57
- Poznań: Private Highlights Tour with a local guide: $61
- Highlights of Poznań Private 2 Hour Tour with a local Guide: $63
- Poznań Half-day Tour: $81
- Captivating Corners of Poznan - Walking Tour: $82
- Romantic tour in Poznan: $82
- Poznan Private City Walking Tour from Cathedral Island: $86
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: $66
- Magic Christmas tour in Wieliczka: $157
- Rynek Underground Museum, Old Town and St. Mary's Basilica Tour: $52
- The Footsteps of John Paul II & Divine Mercy Private Tour: $140
- 1 Day Auschwitz Birkenau Museum Guided Tour Hotel Pick up: $36
- 1,5-Hour Jewish Quarter Kazimierz Walking Guided Tour in Krakow: $20
- 1-Hour Krakow Sightseeing Cruise Catamaran on the Vistula River: $26
- 1-Hour Tour to Krakow's Old Town by Electric Golf Cart: $18
- 2 Day Private Krakow City Tour Old Town and Jewish Quarter: $157
- 2 Hour Bottomless Brunch Experience with 3 Course Meal And Drinks: $51
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in The Old Town of Krakow: $26
- 3-Day Jewish Krakow Guided Sightseeing Tour: $238
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPoznan $3.36Krakow $7.10
Sample the Local Flavors in Poznan
Also in Poznan, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Poznan Pub Crawl : $23
- Pub Crawl with Free Club Entry: $31
- City and Brewery Private Walking Tour with Beer: $161
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$14
Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Krakow:
- Krakow Animals Pub Crawl with Free Alcohol +4 Clubs/Bars: $26
- Pub Crawl 1hr Unlimited Beer + Vodka then Clubs in Katowice: $29
- Pub Crawl Krawl Through Krakow: $30
- Wieliczka Vineyard: Wine tasting with local snacks: $45
- Hoppy tours - Krakow brewery tour : $58
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Poznan and Krakow, we can see that Krakow is more expensive. And not only is Poznan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Poznan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Poznan 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 Krakow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Krakow than you might in Poznan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Poznan Expensive? and Is Krakow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Poznan or Krakow?
Krakow has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Poznan. When comparing the sizes of Poznan and Krakow, 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 Poznan or Krakow?
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 Poznan or Krakow in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Poznan as well as Krakow.
In the summer, Poznan is around the same temperature as Krakow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Poznan in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Krakow averages at about 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krakow. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Poznan this time of the year. In the summer, Poznan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Krakow. Poznan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 201 hours of full sun.
Poznan usually gets less rain in July than Krakow. Poznan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPoznan 19°C (65°F)Krakow 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Poznan or Krakow in the Autumn?
Both Krakow and Poznan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In October, Poznan is generally around the same temperature as Krakow. Daily temperatures in Poznan average around 10°C (50°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Poznan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Krakow during autumn. Poznan gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Poznan usually receives less rain than Krakow. Poznan gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPoznan 10°C (50°F)Krakow 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Poznan or Krakow in the Winter?
Both Krakow and Poznan during the winter are popular places to visit.
Krakow can be very cold during winter. Poznan can get quite cold in the winter. Poznan is a little warmer than Krakow in the winter. The daily temperature in Poznan averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Krakow fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
In the winter, Poznan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Krakow. Poznan gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 38 hours of full sun.
Poznan usually gets less rain in January than Krakow. Poznan gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPoznan -2°C (29°F)Krakow -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Poznan or Krakow in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Poznan and Krakow.
In the spring, Poznan is cooler than Krakow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Poznan in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Krakow averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Poznan usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during spring. Poznan gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Poznan usually receives less rain than Krakow. Poznan gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPoznan 9°C (47°F)Krakow 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Krakow and Poznan
| Poznan | Krakow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (47°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (65°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.