Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Krakow?
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 Krakow or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Krakow or Bilbao? 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: Krakow or Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Krakow Prices
Poland PricesBilbao Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrakow $82Bilbao $200
The average daily cost (per person) in Krakow is $82, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $200. 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 Krakow and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrakow $46Bilbao $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrakow $92Bilbao $170
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Bilbao? 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: Krakow Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krakow $7.10Bilbao $30
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $105
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Bilbao Airport Private Departure Transfer: $52
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $105
- Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $80
- Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $291
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $95
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $200
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander Airport : $277
Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Krakow 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 dayKrakow $25Bilbao $91
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $105
- Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $107
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $112
- Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide: $112
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $112
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $120
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $120
- The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $126
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $148
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $150
- Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $165
- Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines small groups Food Tour: $216
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krakow $22Bilbao $34
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
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao Year of Love: Romantic Exploration Game and Tour: $8.38
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $12
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
- I am a tour guide who shows the history of the town of Bilbao.: $20
- Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $22
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $22
- Bilbao Historical Tour in small group: $23
- Bilbao old town walking tour: $23
- Old Town Bilbao Tour in small group: $30
- Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $30
- Historical Walking Tour and Highlights: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrakow $7.49Bilbao $25
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $53
- Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $54
- Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $70
- From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $75
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $100
- Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $120
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $195
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $198
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $207
- Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $266
- Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour w/ Lunch from Bilbao: $274
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $287
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krakow and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Krakow Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krakow or Bilbao?
Krakow has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Bilbao, 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 Krakow or Bilbao?
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 Krakow or Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Krakow is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 19°C (67°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krakow. Krakow usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during summer. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Krakow usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrakow 19°C (67°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Krakow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
Krakow is much colder than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Krakow usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrakow 11°C (51°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Bilbao. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Krakow in the winter. In the winter, Krakow is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krakow in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Krakow usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrakow -2°C (29°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Krakow or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Bilbao. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Krakow is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Krakow often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Krakow usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrakow 10°C (50°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Krakow
| Krakow | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.