A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krakow vs. Oslo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krakow or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Krakow or Oslo? 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Krakow?

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 Krakow is $82, while the average daily cost in Oslo is $150. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krakow $46
    Oslo $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krakow $92
    Oslo $148
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Oslo? 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 Krakow


Hotels in Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krakow $7.10
    Oslo $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • Wieliczka Salt mine private transfer-Krakow Balice Airport: $11
  • Krakow Balice Airport -Wieliczka Salt mine private transfer: $12
  • Transfer Krakow Balice Airport - Krakow City: $20
  • Krakow Airport Transfer: $22
  • Private transfer | Krakow City - Krakow Airport Balice: $23
  • Private Airport Transfer: $25
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Ticket & Transfer: $27
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Kraków HTL-APT (KRK): $28
  • Private Transfer from Kraków City to Kraków John Paul II (KRK) Airport: $29
  • Krakow Airport Arrival Transfer: $30
  • Transfer Krakow Balice Airport - Krakow City: $30
  • Krakow Airport Private Transfer: $31

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $7.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $143
  • Airport Transfer: Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $154
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $170
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $125
  • Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $139
  • Oslo : Private Transfer to/from Gardermoen Airport to city: $211
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $260
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Car: $153
  • Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $143
  • Oslo Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Oslo hotels: $143
  • Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to Oslo - Arrival Private Transfer: $137
  • Oslo Private Airport/Hotel Transfer Service || English Speaking: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Krakow $25
    Oslo $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow

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

  • Small-Group Online Cooking Class Polish Pierogi : $30
  • Krakow Tipsy Polish Food Tour with History Pierogi and Shots: $39
  • Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Shopping and Local Snacks: $82
  • Eat Like a Local in Krakow - Food Tour with BeMyGuest: $99
  • Krakow Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $105
  • Krakow Bites and Sights Food Tour: $114
  • Polish Pierogi Cooking Class with Farmer's Market Shopping: $114
  • Deluxe Polish Food Tour Experience in Krakow: $121
  • Private Food Tour in Krakow Poland: $198
  • Go Karting Experience with Pizza and Drinks in Krakow: $299

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Fjord-Style Dinner Cruise: $69
  • City Tour with Traditional Norwegian Lunch or Dinner: $114
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $151
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $154
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $162
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $165
  • Oslo Tour with a Michelin-Starred Chef & Lunch/Dinner: $177

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krakow $22
    Oslo $15

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: $3.57
  • Krakow Stories: Self Guided Audio Guide Tour: $3.57
  • A Walk With the Dead Krakow Ghost Tour: $3.57
  • Archdiocesan Museum in Krakow – Entry Ticket: $3.95
  • Archeological Museum - Skip The Line Ticket : $4.52
  • The Best of A Walking Tour Through the Heart of the City: $4.78
  • Krakow Old Town Mysteries: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
  • Home Army Museum in Krakow - Skip The Line Ticket: $6.67
  • Wawel Hill Audio-Guided Tour: $8.36
  • Krakow Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Krakow Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.55
  • Art Documentation Centre CRICOTEKA in Krakow - Entrance Ticket: $11

Tours and Activities in Oslo

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

  • Self Guided Tour in Oslo with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
  • Intercultural Museum Entry Ticket: $6.07
  • Labour Museum Entry Ticket: $6.07
  • Vigeland Alien Threat in Oslo Exploration Game and Tour: $8.35
  • Oslo Viking Quest: Exploration Game and Tour: $8.66
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Oslo's Waterfront: $8.99
  • Central Oslo Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Oslo Museum: Frogner Manor Guided Tour: $12
  • Museum of Oslo and Theatre Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Oslo Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $15
  • Guided Walking Tour of Central Oslo with Local Guide: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krakow $7.49
    Oslo $9.13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:


  • Vodka
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Krakow:

  • 1 Hour of Open Bar Pub Crawl + Karaoke + VIP Entry to Best Clubs : $28
  • Pub Crawl Krawl Through Krakow: $28
  • Krakow Pub Crawl with 1 Hr of unlimited alcohol & 4 clubs/pubs: $29
  • Pub Crawl 1hr Unlimited Beer + Vodka then Clubs in Katowice: $31
  • Tyskie Brewery Tour from Katowice: $131

Sample the Local Flavors in Oslo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oslo:

  • The Original Oslo Pub Crawl: $34


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


Which is Bigger, Krakow or Oslo?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Oslo. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Krakow is around the same temperature as Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krakow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In Krakow, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Krakow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krakow 19°C (67°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Oslo. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Krakow is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 11°C (51°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Krakow often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krakow 11°C (51°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. Krakow can be very cold during winter. Krakow is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Krakow usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during winter. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Krakow usually receives less rain than Oslo. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krakow -2°C (29°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Krakow during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In the spring, Krakow is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krakow in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krakow 10°C (50°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Krakow

Krakow Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)