A Travel Price Comparison for Poland Warsaw vs. Katowice for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Warsaw or Katowice?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Katowice can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Warsaw or Katowice?

Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Warsaw?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $93, 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 Warsaw and Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Warsaw $51
    Katowice $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Warsaw $102
    Katowice $38
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Warsaw 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 Warsaw


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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Warsaw $4.67
    Katowice $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

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

  • ONEWAY Private Warsaw Chopin Airport(WAW) to/from Warsaw Transfer: $24
  • Bus Transfer to/from Vilnus: $35
  • Warsaw Chopin Airport one way private transfer 5-8 PAX: $36
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to City centre: $41
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw city centre to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): $41
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Warsaw APT-HTL (WAW): $42
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport: $43
  • Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • Private transfer by social-distance car from or to Warsaw Chopin Airport: $44
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Warsaw Chopin Airport: $49
  • Indoor Paintball with Hotel Transfers: $55
  • Economy Private Warsaw Okecie Airport Transfer: $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Warsaw or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice and Warsaw 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
    Warsaw $27
    Katowice $19
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

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

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $17
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $92
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $94
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

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.
    Warsaw $7.00
    Katowice $6.40

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Walking Audio Tour of Wilanów Palace Grounds: $5.20
  • Uncover Historic Marvels of In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
  • Old Town Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Warsaw Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.00
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Smartphone Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket: $11
  • Warsaw Old Town In-App Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $12
  • Traditional Galar Cruise on The Vistula River: $15

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: $54
  • 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
    Warsaw $10
    Katowice $5.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176

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


Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Katowice?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Katowice in the Summer?

Both Katowice and Warsaw during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Warsaw is around the same temperature as Katowice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Warsaw in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Katowice averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Katowice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Warsaw. In the summer, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in July than Katowice. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F) 
    Katowice 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Katowice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Katowice. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Warsaw is generally around the same temperature as Katowice. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (49°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Warsaw usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katowice during autumn. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Warsaw usually receives around the same amount of rain as Katowice. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F) 
    Katowice 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Katowice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Katowice. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Katowice can be very cold. Warsaw can be very cold during winter. Warsaw is cooler than Katowice in the winter. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Katowice fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Katowice. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in January than Katowice. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Katowice in the Spring?

Both Katowice and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Warsaw is around the same temperature as Katowice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Warsaw in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Katowice averages at about 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Warsaw. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during spring. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Katowice. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F) 
    Katowice 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Katowice and Warsaw

Warsaw Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)