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

Should you visit Prague 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 Prague 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: Prague or Krakow?

Prague

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is also the largest city in the country and one of the largest cities in Central Europe. Prague has long enticed travelers for its beautiful architecture, impressive bridges, detailed cathedrals, and fascinating history. Prague is unique in that is remained almost completely undamaged during World War II. The medieval city center still feels like you've stepped back in time. Despite this historic atmosphere, there is still a lot of vibrant energy and you'll find many different live music venues, art galleries, modern restaurants, and unique festivals throughout the year.

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 Budget Tours to Czech Republic, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, The Best Budget Tours to Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.


Which place is cheaper, Krakow or Prague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Prague is $146, while the average daily cost in Krakow is $82. 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 Prague and Krakow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Prague $77
    Krakow $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Prague $154
    Krakow $92
Compare Hotels in Prague and Krakow

Looking for a hotel in Prague 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.

Hotels in Prague


Hotels in Krakow


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: Prague Hotel Prices and Krakow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Prague $9.19
    Krakow $7.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Prague

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:

  • Private Transfer to Budapest with Bratislava 2h Stop: $651
  • Private transfer to Berlin or Prague to Berlin: $477
  • Private Transfer from Trutnov city to Wroclaw (WRO) Airport: $237

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer: $22
  • Krakow Airport Private Transfer: $23
  • From Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Transfer and Tour Options: $23
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers: $24
  • Private Airport Transfer: $25
  • From Zakopane Snowmobile Ride with Bonfire and Transfer: $27
  • Krakow Shooting Range with transfer (hotel pick up): $28
  • Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour Tickets and Transfer from Krakow: $28
  • Private Transfer from Kraków City to Kraków John Paul II (KRK) Airport: $28
  • Krakow Airport ↔ Krakow City - Private Transfer: $29
  • Krakow Airport Departure Transfer: $29
  • Transfer Krakow Balice Airport - Krakow City: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Prague or Krakow?

Prices for flights to both Krakow and Prague 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
    Prague $51
    Krakow $25
Typical Food Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of dining costs in Prague are as follows:


  • Fruit
    $4.80
  • Lunch for One
    $14
  • Bananas
    $0.68
  • Cookies
    $0.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow

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

  • Krakow Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $34
  • Brewery Dinner -center of Krakow: $52
  • Krakow Food Tour by Foot: Polish Tastings in Old Town & Kazimierz: $111
  • Krakow Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Visit & Home-Cooked Meal: $111
  • The 10 Tastings of Krakow With Locals: Private Food Tour: $163
  • Katowice Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $189
  • Private Food Tour in Krakow Poland: $194
  • Zakopane: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $233

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Prague $18
    Krakow $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:


  • Opera Tickets
    $4.80
  • Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower
    $6.72
  • Image Theatre for Two
    $46

Tours and Activities in Prague

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

  • Scooter downhill tour from Děčínský Sněžník: $26
  • Děčín Via Ferrata Tour in Bohemian Switzerland: $59
  • Small-Group Beer Tour in Liberec: $78
  • BMP tank ride & MagFed paintball adventure Prague: $139
  • Private guided day tour from Munich to Prague, and back: $777

Tours and Activities in Krakow

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

  • Historic Krakow : Old Town & Wawel Castle Walking tour: $3.49
  • Krakow Stories: Self-Guided Audio Tour With 100 Top Sights: $3.49
  • Archeological Museum - Skip The Line Ticket: $4.43
  • Trumpets and Towers Self Guided Tour of Krakow Old Town: $5.20
  • Krakow Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.77
  • Herstory Walking Tour of Wawel Women Impact: $5.83
  • Krakow Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Home Army Museum - Skip The Line Ticket: $9.69
  • Jewish Museum Galicja - Skip the line Ticket: $9.69
  • Art Documentation Centre CRICOTEKA - Skip the Line Ticket: $11
  • Krakow Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
  • GOjump MEGAPARK Kraków-Sikorki 1h ticket: GOair Inflatable Park: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Prague $13
    Krakow $7.49
Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:


  • A Bottle of Wine
    $7.64

Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

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


  • Vodka
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow

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

  • Ultimate Katowice Pub Crawl & VIPClub Entry by Fun Explorers: $17
  • Halloween Pub Crawl - Krawl Through Krakow: $27
  • Pub Crawl Unlimited Drinks then 5 Best Clubs in Krakow with VIP: $35
  • Krakow Evening Pub Crawl: $48
  • Krakow Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $174


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


Which is Bigger, Prague or Krakow?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Krakow. When comparing the sizes of Prague 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 Prague or Krakow?

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 Prague or Krakow in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Prague and Krakow. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

In the summer, Prague is around the same temperature as Krakow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Prague in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Krakow averages at about 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krakow this time of the year. In Prague, it's very sunny this time of the year. Prague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Krakow during summer. Prague gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Prague usually receives less rain than Krakow. Prague gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Prague 19°C (66°F) 
    Krakow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Prague or Krakow in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Prague as well as Krakow. Many travelers come to Prague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Prague is generally around the same temperature as Krakow. Daily temperatures in Prague average around 11°C (52°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Prague often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Prague gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 97 hours of full sun.

Prague usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Krakow. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Prague 11°C (52°F) 
    Krakow 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Prague or Krakow in the Winter?

Both Krakow and Prague are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Prague in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Krakow can be very cold during winter. Prague can get quite cold in the winter. Prague is much warmer than Krakow in the winter. The daily temperature in Prague averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Krakow fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

Prague usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during winter. Prague gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Prague usually receives more rain than Krakow. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Prague 1°C (33°F) 
    Krakow -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Prague or Krakow in the Spring?

Both Krakow and Prague during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Prague for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Prague is around the same temperature as Krakow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Prague in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Krakow averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Prague often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Prague gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 132 hours of full sun.

Prague usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Krakow. Prague gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Prague 10°C (49°F) 
    Krakow 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Krakow and Prague

Prague Krakow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)