Which place is cheaper, Krakow or Riga?
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 Riga or Krakow?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Krakow? 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: Riga or Krakow?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
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 Budget Tours to Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.
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Riga Prices
Latvia PricesKrakow Prices
Poland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €122Krakow €70
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, 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 Riga and Krakow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €52Krakow €39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €104Krakow €78
Compare Hotels in Riga and Krakow
Looking for a hotel in Riga 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.
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: Riga Hotel Prices and Krakow Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €9.63Krakow €6.05
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan: $51
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $68
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $164
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $563
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $503
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $468
- Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $90
- Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $60
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $78
- Private Transfer to anywhere in Riga Center: $60
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $138
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 Riga or Krakow?
Prices for flights to both Krakow and Riga 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 dayRiga €57Krakow €22
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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Fast Food Lunch€5.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group: $41
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $53
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $70
- Exclusive Igloo for Lunches, Dinners and Events: $72
- Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
- Pizza Making Master Class in Riga: $251
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €14Krakow €19
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $6.99
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $8.21
- Canal Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $8.21
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.38
- Old Town Electrobus Tour + Audio Guide & Drink: $9.38
- Riga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
- Riga Canal and Daugava Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $9.58
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink: $10
- Rowing boats and Pedal boat rental - River Cruises Latvia: $11
- Riga English Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $11
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Drink and Audio Guide: $11
- Riga Golden Autumn Canal & River Cruise | River Cruises LV: $11
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Krakow €6.38
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $21
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Riga: $35
- Riga Pub Crawl: $41
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $59
- Riga Brewery Tour: $59
- Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
- Riga Brewery Tour: $77
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94
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€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 Riga and Krakow, we can see that Riga 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Krakow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Krakow?
Krakow has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga 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 Riga or Krakow in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Krakow. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Riga is cooler than Krakow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Krakow averages at about 19°C (67°F).
In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Krakow. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Krakow 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Riga or Krakow in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Krakow. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In October, Riga is generally cooler than Krakow. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in October than Krakow. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Krakow 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Riga or Krakow in the Winter?
Both Krakow and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Krakow can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Riga is much colder than Krakow in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Krakow fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
In January, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Krakow. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Krakow -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Riga or Krakow in the Spring?
Both Krakow and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Riga is much colder than Krakow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Krakow averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Riga usually gets less rain in April than Krakow. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Krakow 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Krakow and Riga
| Riga | Krakow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.