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

Should you visit Sochi or Katowice?

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

Should I visit Sochi or Katowice? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Sochi or Katowice?

Sochi

Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is one of the southernmost major cities in Russia. It is especially busy in the summer when native Russians and international visitors alike come to enjoy the mountainous coastline and sunny beaches. Sochi is also known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic venues can still be visited today.

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 from Krakow, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw.


Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Sochi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sochi is $60, while the average daily cost in Katowice is $46. 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 Sochi and Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sochi $14
    Katowice $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sochi $28
    Katowice $38
Compare Hotels in Sochi and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Sochi 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 Sochi


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: Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sochi -
    Katowice $12

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 Sochi or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice and Sochi 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
    Sochi $17
    Katowice $19

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.
    Sochi $112
    Katowice $6.40

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
    Sochi -
    Katowice $5.69

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 Sochi and Katowice, we can see that Sochi 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 Sochi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sochi 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 Sochi Expensive? and Is Katowice Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sochi or Katowice?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Sochi 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 Sochi 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 Sochi or Katowice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sochi and Katowice.

Sochi is a little warmer than Katowice in the summer. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Sochi usually receives more rain than Katowice. Sochi gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sochi 23°C (73°F) 
    Katowice 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Katowice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sochi as well as Katowice.

In the autumn, Sochi is much warmer than Katowice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sochi in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Katowice averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Sochi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sochi usually gets more rain in October than Katowice. Sochi gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sochi 16°C (60°F) 
    Katowice 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Katowice in the Winter?

Both Katowice and Sochi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Katowice can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Sochi is generally much warmer than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Sochi average around 6°C (44°F), and Katowice fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

It's quite rainy in Sochi. In January, Sochi usually receives more rain than Katowice. Sochi gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sochi 6°C (44°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Sochi or Katowice in the Spring?

Both Katowice and Sochi during the spring are popular places to visit.

Sochi is much warmer than Katowice in the spring. The daily temperature in Sochi averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sochi. Sochi usually gets more rain in April than Katowice. Sochi gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sochi 13°C (55°F) 
    Katowice 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Katowice and Sochi

Sochi Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)