Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Rovaniemi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rovaniemi or Katowice?
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 Rovaniemi and Katowice. 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: Rovaniemi or Katowice?
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, in northern Finland. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it's a modern city known for being the "official" home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights. It's home to Arktikum, a museum and science center exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland. The Science Centre Pilke features interactive exhibits on northern forests.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRovaniemi €174Katowice €43
The average daily cost (per person) in Rovaniemi is €174, 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 Rovaniemi and Katowice in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRovaniemi €93Katowice €18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRovaniemi €186Katowice €36
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Katowice
Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi 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.
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: Rovaniemi Hotel Prices and Katowice Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rovaniemi €31Katowice €12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:
- From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $29
- From Rovaniemi Private Transfer To Polar Explorer Icebreaker: $48
- Private Departure Transfer from Rovaniemi: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport or Train Station: $56
- Private Transfer from Rovaniemi airport-city centre: $75
- Santa Claus Village Guided Tour with Transfer: $77
- Rovaniemi Private City Transfer by Luxury Vehicule : $83
- From Helsinki: Private Transfer to Rovaniemi: $86
- Santa Claus Village Tour with Transfer: $87
- Trip to Santa Claus Village with Hotel Transfer: $87
- Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi (RVN) Airport to City centre: $87
- Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi city centre to Rovaniemi airport: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:
- Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers: $32
- Katowice Pyrzowice KTW to Krakow City Private Transfer: $129
- Katowice Airport: Private Transfer to or from Krakow: $186
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $199
Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Katowice?
Prices for flights to both Katowice and Rovaniemi 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 dayRovaniemi €47Katowice €18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rovaniemi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rovaniemi.
- Snow Restaurant Dinner Tour: $116
- Lappish Cooking Master Class: $134
- Lappish Cooking Master Class: $147
- From SnowHotel Aurora Experience with Dinner: $149
- Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights : $169
- Private Sauna, Jacuzzi and Dinner: $176
- Romantic Glass Igloo Dinner under Northern Lights : $223
- Northern Lights dinner in a Glass Igloo: $234
- Aurora Borealis Dinner in a Glass Igloo: $234
- PRIVATE Party dinner in a Glass Igloo Under Northern Lights : $240
- PRIVATE Glass Igloo Dinner Under Northern Lights : $240
- Private Glass Igloo Dinner on the Shore of Frozen Lake: $245
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rovaniemi €48Katowice €6.00
Tours and Activities in Rovaniemi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rovaniemi are as follows:
- Essential A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- SnowGlow Winterpark Entry Ticket: $26
- Snowman World Entrance Ticket: $31
- Guided Supermarket Tour: $37
- Tour to Aurora Horses Farm with Charming Finnhorses: $38
- Guided Northern Lights Tour by Van: $74
- BBQ Picnic Experience under Northern Lights: $74
- Private Aurora Borealis Car Tour with Hot Drinks: $74
- Bus Tour with Hunting Northern Lights: $75
- Guided tour in Santa Claus village with hotel pick up: $80
- Lapland: Aurora Borealis BBQ Tour: $80
- From Northern Lights Photo Tour with Pickup: $80
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRovaniemi €21Katowice €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 Rovaniemi and Katowice, we can see that Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi Expensive? and Is Katowice Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Katowice?
Katowice has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi or Katowice in the Summer?
Both Katowice and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Rovaniemi is generally cooler than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 15°C (60°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Katowice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during summer. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Katowice. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRovaniemi 15°C (60°F)Katowice 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Katowice in the Autumn?
Both Katowice and Rovaniemi during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is much colder than Katowice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around 2°C (36°F) in October, and Katowice fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the autumn, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Katowice. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets more rain in October than Katowice. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRovaniemi 2°C (36°F)Katowice 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Katowice in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Katowice.
Katowice can be very cold during winter. Rovaniemi can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rovaniemi is much colder than Katowice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rovaniemi in January average around -12°C (10°F), and Katowice averages at about -2°C (28°F).
Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Katowice during winter. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Katowice. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRovaniemi -12°C (10°F)Katowice -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Katowice in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Katowice.
Rovaniemi can be very cold during spring. In April, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around -1°C (31°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in April than Katowice. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRovaniemi -1°C (31°F)Katowice 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Katowice and Rovaniemi
| Rovaniemi | Katowice | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 50 mm (2 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.