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

Should you visit Lyon or Krakow?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Krakow, 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: Lyon or Krakow?

Lyon

Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Budget Tours to Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.


Which place is cheaper, Krakow or Lyon?

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 Lyon is €155, while the average daily cost in Krakow is €70. 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 Lyon and Krakow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lyon 53
    Krakow 39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lyon 106
    Krakow 78
Compare Hotels in Lyon and Krakow

Looking for a hotel in Lyon or Krakow? 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 Lyon


Hotels in Krakow


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: Lyon Hotel Prices and Krakow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lyon 17
    Krakow 6.05
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon

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


  • Funiculaire
    5.20
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Arrival Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $118
  • Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Luxury Van: $101
  • Lyon Airport (LYS) to Aix-les-Bains - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
  • Lyon Airport (LYS) to Morzine/Avoriaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $271
  • Lyon Airport Private Transfer – Meet & Greet Included: $108
  • Lyon Private Transfer from Lyon city centre to Lyon (LYS) Airport: $143
  • Lyon Saint Exupery Airport(LYS)to Aix-les-Bain-RoundTrip Transfer: $167
  • Private Transfer Grenoble Airport GNB - Grenoble Ski Resort: $251
  • Private Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $118
  • Private Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Business Car: $106
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $118
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Sedan Car: $106

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Lyon or Krakow?

Prices for flights to both Krakow and Lyon 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
    Lyon 71
    Krakow 22
Typical Food Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

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

  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $90
  • Food Tour in Lyon – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $96
  • Food Tour by night: $102
  • Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $106
  • Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 6 French Delicacies & Fine Wine: $109
  • Lyon Sunset Food Tour – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $125
  • Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Food Tour: $272

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lyon 20
    Krakow 19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    45

Tours and Activities in Lyon

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

  • Lyon's History and Must-Sees with a Local! (English Walking Tour): $5.97
  • Lyon Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
  • Lyon Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • Lyon Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.55
  • Lyon UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour with an App: $9.99
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $12
  • Private Self-Guided Tour of the Curse Quest of Old Lyon: $18
  • Guided Tour of the Croix-Rousse: $23
  • Lyon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Audio Commentary: $30
  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $36
  • Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Lyon: $36
  • Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular: $39

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lyon 24
    Krakow 6.38
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    6.80
  • Bottle of Wine
    15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

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

  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $30
  • Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $108
  • Wine Tasting and Introduction to Tasting Techniques: $114
  • Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $118
  • Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $118
  • Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $118
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour (2:00 pm - 6:30 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $130
  • Northern Rhône Valley Wine tour from Lyon Half Day: $130
  • Beaujolais wine tour from Lyon half day: $130
  • Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $142
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $143

Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

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


  • Vodka
    13

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 Lyon and Krakow, we can see that Lyon 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 Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon 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 Lyon Expensive? and Is Krakow Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lyon or Krakow?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Krakow, 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 Lyon or Krakow?

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 Lyon or Krakow in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Krakow. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lyon is a little warmer than Krakow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Krakow averages at about 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krakow this time of the year. In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lyon usually receives less rain than Krakow. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lyon 22°C (71°F) 
    Krakow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Lyon or Krakow in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Krakow. Most visitors come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Lyon is generally a little warmer than Krakow. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 97 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in October than Krakow. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lyon 14°C (56°F) 
    Krakow 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Lyon or Krakow in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Krakow in the winter. The weather in Lyon can be very cold. Lyon is much warmer than Krakow in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Krakow fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Krakow during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Krakow receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lyon usually receives more rain than Krakow. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lyon 4°C (39°F) 
    Krakow -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Lyon or Krakow in the Spring?

Both Krakow and Lyon during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the spring, Lyon is a little warmer than Krakow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Krakow averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Krakow. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krakow receives 132 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in April than Krakow. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lyon 11°C (53°F) 
    Krakow 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Krakow and Lyon

Lyon Krakow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)