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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Katowice?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki 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: Thessaloniki or Katowice?

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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 Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, 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 Thessaloniki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, 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 Thessaloniki and Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Katowice 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Katowice 36
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki


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: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices and Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Katowice 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Thessaloniki Airport Private Transfer Service: $32
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $44
  • Thessaloniki Airport - Sani Transfer: $81
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $82
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
  • Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice and Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki 42
    Katowice 18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

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.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Katowice 6.00

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
  • Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
  • Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
  • Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17

Tours and Activities in Katowice

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

  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket: $55
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau - Skip the Line Tickets : $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $32
  • Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz Birkenau with Guide and FREE ebook: $32
  • From Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $95
  • Jasna Gora and Czestochowa Private Tour from Katowice by Car: $349
  • Katowice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $99
  • Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $160
  • Katowice Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $159
  • Katowice and Nikiszowiec: bicycle tour with guide: $42
  • Private City Tour with Stories & Viewing Points: $154
  • Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Katowice 5.33

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207

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


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Katowice?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Katowice?

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 Thessaloniki or Katowice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Katowice. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Katowice in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katowice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Katowice. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Katowice 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Katowice in the Autumn?

Both Katowice and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Katowice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Katowice averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Katowice. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Katowice 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Katowice in the Winter?

Both Katowice and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Katowice can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Katowice fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Katowice. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Katowice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Katowice. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Thessaloniki is much warmer than Katowice in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Katowice. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Katowice 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Katowice and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)