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

Should you visit Istanbul or Katowice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Katowice, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Istanbul or Katowice?

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Historical Tours in Poland, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $179, while the average daily cost in Katowice is $67. 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 Istanbul and Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $83
    Katowice $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $166
    Katowice $42
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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 Istanbul


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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $39
    Katowice $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul VIP Private Transfer for Airports, Cruise Ports, Hotels: $15
  • Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $19
  • Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $22
  • Narita Airport to Tokyo one way Transfer : $28
  • Transfer Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) to City Center: $29
  • Transfer Istanbul City Center to Istanbul Ataturk Airport: $29
  • Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $29
  • Sapanca and Masukiye Full Day Tour with Lunch, Guide and Transfer: $29
  • istanbul airport transfer: $30
  • Guided Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Transfer: $30
  • Guided Byzantine & Bosphorus Tour with Transfer In Istanbul: $30
  • Reliable & Safe Istanbul Airport Taxi Transfer – VIP Service : $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice and Istanbul 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
    Istanbul $66
    Katowice $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $27
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table: $30
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $31
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
  • Dinner Cruise On The Bosphorus with Turkish night show: $34
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Show and Private Table: $35
  • Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Shows Private Table & Free Wi-Fi: $36
  • Bosphorus Elite Dinner Cruise w/VIP Menu & Private Table Option: $42
  • Luxury Dinner & Traditional Dance Bosphorus Cruise: $42
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folklore Show & Belly Dancers: $46
  • Bosphorus Tour Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show : $47
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show Non-Alcoholic: $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $43
    Katowice $7.11

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

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

  • Old Town Of Istanbul Orientation - Tip Based Walking Tour: $3.50
  • Istanbul Culture History and UNESCO Treasures Kickstart Tour: $3.57
  • Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour: $3.58
  • Alternative Tour; Daily Life, Customs, Stories - Tip Based Tour: $5.00
  • Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $5.40
  • Istanbul The Sultan’s Secret: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
  • Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit: $7.17
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $7.50
  • Istanbul Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
  • Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul: $9.56

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: $33
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $54
  • Krakow City Premium Pass and Cultural Experiences: $178

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $12
    Katowice $6.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Nightlife Pub Crawl Pub and İstanbul Club Adventure: $19
  • Istanbul Pub Crawl: Adults-Only Nightlife Adventure: $31
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $209


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Katowice, we can see that Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Katowice Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Katowice?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Katowice in the Summer?

Both Katowice and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is a little warmer than Katowice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Katowice averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Katowice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Katowice. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Katowice 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Katowice in the Autumn?

Both Katowice and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Katowice fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Katowice. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Istanbul or Katowice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Katowice. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Katowice in the winter. Istanbul is much warmer than Katowice in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Katowice fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Katowice. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Katowice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Katowice. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the spring, Istanbul is much warmer than Katowice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Katowice averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Katowice. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Katowice and Istanbul

Istanbul Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)