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

Should you visit Krakow or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Krakow or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Luxury Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is $102. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krakow $46
    Sarajevo $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krakow $92
    Sarajevo $60
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo


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 Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krakow $7.10
    Sarajevo $7.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • Zakopane: Private Transfer to Krakow: $214
  • Zakopane: Private Transfer from Krakow: $214
  • Zakopane to Chocholow Thermal Pools 3h Ticket with Hotel Transfer: $102
  • Zakopane Tour from Krakow with Transfers and Lunch Option: $90
  • Zakopane Private Transfer from to Krakow or Krakow Airport: $274
  • Zakopane Private Transfer from Krakow or Krakow airport: $119
  • Zakopane Private Transfer: $162
  • Zakopane NIGHT Snowmobiles Bonfire and Transfers from Krakow : $92
  • Zakopane Krakow private transfer, private driver service: $119
  • Wooden Architecture Museum Private Transfer Round Trip: $167
  • Wieliczka Salt mine private transfer-Krakow Balice Airport: $11
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine Private Transfer : $239

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

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

  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $29
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $18
  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $24
  • Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $155
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bjelašnica: $76
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Ilidža: $39
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Jajce: $299
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Lukavac: $296
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Mostar: $248
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Podlugovi: $96
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Semizovac : $77
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Srebrenica : $248

Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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
    Sarajevo $59

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

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

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

  • Ethnic Village Food Tour With Optional Mountain Hiking: $55
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $95
  • Experience Bosnian Cooking Class: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krakow $22
    Sarajevo $13

Tours and Activities in Krakow

Here are a few actual costs in Krakow for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine 1-Day Tour: $185
  • Energylandia Theme Park Ticket and Transportation From Krakow: $82
  • Magic Christmas tour in Wieliczka: $167
  • The Footsteps of John Paul II & Divine Mercy Private Tour: $161
  • Wawel Castle and Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour in Krakow with Lunch: $154
  • 1 DAY Tours - Auschwitz and Salt Mine - Shared transport+tickets: $155
  • 1 Hour Tour in Kraków Old Town: $94
  • 1,5-Hour Jewish Quarter Kazimierz Walking Guided Tour in Krakow: $24
  • 1-Hour Tour to Krakow's Old Town by Electric Golf Cart: $19
  • 2 Hour Bottomless Brunch Experience with 3 Course Meal And Drinks: $71
  • 2 Hour Private Pinball and Arcade Museum Tour from Krakow: $299
  • 3-Day Krakow Guided Tour: Jewish Heritage with Wieliczka and Auschwitz: $262

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $8.41

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ticket: $8.95
  • Sarajevo History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Ticket : $9.10
  • 2 Hours Old Town Walking Tour With Local Guide: $14
  • Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Old Town Sarajevo Walking Tour: $18
  • IDentification Sarajevo Walking Tour: $18
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $18
  • Sensational Sarajevo Sunset Walking Tour: $18
  • Grand Walking Tour Through Time and Cultures: $20
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $20
  • Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krakow $7.49
    Sarajevo $8.08
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


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


Which is Bigger, Krakow or Sarajevo?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Krakow or Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Sarajevo. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Krakow is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 19°C (67°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krakow this time of the year. In the summer, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krakow 19°C (67°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Krakow is much colder than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In October, Krakow usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krakow 11°C (51°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Krakow during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krakow in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Krakow usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krakow -2°C (29°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Sarajevo. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Krakow is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 10°C (50°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Krakow usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krakow 10°C (50°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Krakow

Krakow Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)