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

Should you visit Krakow or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Krakow or Zadar? 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 Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is $129. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krakow $46
    Zadar $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krakow $92
    Zadar $120
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krakow $7.10
    Zadar $11

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Hiking experience on the Krupa River : incl. transfer & lunch: $154
  • Modern bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Zadar: $40
  • Privat transfer to Novalja: $157
  • Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $106
  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
  • Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $199
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $286
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $74
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $67
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $286
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Novalja: $299
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Pag Island: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $57

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 Zadar

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

  • Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
  • Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krakow $22
    Zadar $23

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 Zadar

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

  • Local Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
  • Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Zadar Old Town Walking Tour: $18
  • Zadar Walking Tour sponsored by Gligora Cheese and deli.: $18
  • Look Around Zadar - Don't Look Up: Cinematic and Musical Sunset Walking Tour: $19
  • Islands Tour in Zadar by Speedboat: $23
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
  • Half Day Island Hopping Tour With Snorkeling : $24
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $24
  • 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
  • Island half day tour : $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krakow $7.49
    Zadar $14
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 Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
  • Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
  • City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
  • City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107


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


Which is Bigger, Krakow or Zadar?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Zadar. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Krakow is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 19°C (67°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Krakow, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Krakow usually receives more rain than Zadar. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krakow 19°C (67°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Zadar. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Krakow is much colder than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krakow 11°C (51°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Krakow. In the winter, Krakow is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krakow in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Krakow usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Krakow usually receives less rain than Zadar. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krakow -2°C (29°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Krakow during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Krakow is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around 10°C (50°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krakow 10°C (50°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Krakow

Krakow Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)