Which place is cheaper, Krakow or Bucharest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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: Bucharest or Krakow?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Budget Tours to Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.
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Bucharest Prices
Romania PricesKrakow Prices
Poland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBucharest $194Krakow $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $194, 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 Bucharest and Krakow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $68Krakow $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $136Krakow $92
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Krakow
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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.
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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Krakow Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $28Krakow $7.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest Private Transfer Service for Individuals/Small Groups: $35
- Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $48
- Airport Transfer -One way Bucharest Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport : $27
- Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Luxury Car: $112
- Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Luxury Van: $72
- Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $48
- Airport transfer Otopeni to Bucharest : $63
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Business Car: $58
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Luxury Van: $72
- Arrival Transfer: Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov by Luxury Van: $178
- Bucharest Airport OTP Private Transfer to Bucharest Center: $35
- Bucharest Airport Transfer – Private Mercedes V Class: $78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:
- 1 Day Trip Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mines with Hotel Transfer: $70
- Airport to Cracow transfer by Minivan: $61
- Arrival Private Transfers from Krakow Airport KRK to Krakow City: $53
- Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Private Transfer and Tickets: $119
- Auschwitz Birkenau Round Transfer, Private Driver from Krakow: $156
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour from Krakow with Ticket & Transfer: $63
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with Private Transfers from Krakow: $239
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Visit from Krakow with Private Transfers: $174
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $229
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Transfer: $119
- Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour from Krakow with Ticket & Transfer: $35
- Balice KRK airport OneWay PRIVATE TRANSFER to/from Krakow’s hotel: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Krakow?
Prices for flights to both Krakow and Bucharest 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 dayBucharest $108Krakow $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism & tour after closing: $58
- Eat Like a Local: Food Tour in Bucharest Obor Market: $89
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $94
- Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $107
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $118
- Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $137
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Krakow.
- Krakow Tipsy Polish Food Tour with History Pierogi and Shots: $40
- Polish Folk Show with 3 course dinner in Krakow legendary restaurant: $49
- Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Shopping and Local Snacks: $83
- Folk Show A Taste of Polish Tradition with Dinner: $84
- Krakow Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $95
- Traditional Jewish Ashkenazi Food Tour in Krakow: $121
- EVERYDAY Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $176
- Katowice Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $195
- Krakow Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bucharest $16Krakow $22
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bucharest 1989 Revolution GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $6.91
- Bucharest Beyond the Boulevards: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Interbelic Bucharest GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $8.32
- Bucharest Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Jewish Bucharest GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $9.53
- Alternative Bucharest Walking Tour: $12
- Bucharest Essential Tour: Old Town, Calea Victoriei & Communism: $16
- Bucharest Old Centre Tour: $17
- Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $21
- Walking Tour- Delightful Bucharest (Highlights, Stories, Sights): $23
- Dracula's Castle, Brasov and Peles Full-Day Tour from Bucharest: $23
- Walking tour of Bucharest: $24
Tours and Activities in Krakow
Here are a few actual costs in Krakow for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Krakow Unveiled: Self-Guided Heritage Tour: $3.59
- A Walk With the Dead Krakow Ghost Tour: $3.59
- World War Two in Jewish Quarter & Ghetto Tour: $3.59
- Street Food & Street Art Tour: $3.59
- Archdiocesan Museum in Krakow – Entry Ticket: $3.98
- Archeological Museum - Skip The Line Ticket : $4.55
- Home Army Museum in Krakow - Skip The Line Ticket: $6.72
- The Best of Walking Tour Through the Heart of the City: $6.82
- Krakow Jewish Ghetto and Quarter Audio Guided Walking Tour: $7.50
- Wawel Hill Audio-Guided Tour: $8.42
- Krakow Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.61
- Jewish Ghetto Guided Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBucharest $9.92Krakow $7.49
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Bucharest Pub Crawl: $36
- Bar Crawling: $48
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $59
- Bucharest Private Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $62
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $69
- Private Wine Tasting at Bucharest's First Wine Bar: $106
- Romanian Wine Tasting: $106
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Salt Mine Exploration and Wine Tasting : $113
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Salt Mine in Prahova and Wine Tasting: $113
- PREMIUM TOUR small group: Wine Tasting and Salt Mine experience: $113
- Sip & Stroll: Wine Tasting and History Private Tour of Bucharest: $125
- Vineyards and wine tasting experience: $139
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:
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Vodka$15
Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Krakow:
- Pub Crawl Krawl Through Krakow: $28
- Pub Crawl + Unlimited Drinks + VIP entry + Drinking Games & Photographer : $30
- Pub Crawl 1hr Unlimited Beer + Vodka then Clubs in Katowice: $31
- Krakow Evening Pub Crawl: $49
- Krakow Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $180
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Krakow, we can see that Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Krakow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Krakow?
Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Krakow. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Krakow in the Summer?
Both Krakow and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.
In the summer, Bucharest is a little warmer than Krakow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Krakow averages at about 19°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Krakow. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bucharest. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Krakow. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBucharest 23°C (73°F)Krakow 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Krakow in the Autumn?
Both Krakow and Bucharest during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Krakow. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 97 hours of full sun.
Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Krakow. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBucharest 13°C (55°F)Krakow 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Krakow in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Krakow. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Krakow can be very cold during winter. Bucharest can get quite cold in the winter. Bucharest is a little warmer than Krakow in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Krakow fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Krakow. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBucharest -1°C (29°F)Krakow -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Krakow in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Krakow. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Krakow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Krakow averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 132 hours of full sun.
Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Krakow. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBucharest 12°C (54°F)Krakow 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Krakow and Bucharest
| Bucharest | Krakow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.