For backpackers comparing Krakow and Munich, understanding the cost of travel is often paramount. This balanced guide uses realistic, estimated ranges to help you make an informed decision.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Krakow generally offers a significantly lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Munich.
- Krakow Estimated Daily Budget: €30-50
- Munich Estimated Daily Budget: €55-80
This estimated daily spend covers accommodation, food, and local transport, assuming budget-conscious choices like hostel dorms, street food, groceries, and public transport. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, but Munich tends to push and often exceed this upper end.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Hostel dorm beds are available in both cities, but at different price points.
- Krakow Hostel Dorm Bed: €15-25 per night (estimated). Expect to pay towards the lower end outside peak season.
- Munich Hostel Dorm Bed: €25-40 per night (estimated). Munich’s accommodation, even for hostels, is notably higher than Krakow’s.
Spring and fall typically offer lower prices than summer across Europe due to reduced demand.
What About Food and Drink Expenses?
Food and drink are substantially more affordable in Krakow.
- Krakow Food Budget: €10-18 per day (estimated). You can find hearty meals at local “milk bars” (bar mleczny) for €3-7, while a sit-down restaurant meal might cost €8-15. Groceries are also very affordable.
- Munich Food Budget: €18-30 per day (estimated). Meals at local restaurants typically cost €12-25. Opting for groceries and street food like a Weißwurst breakfast or Döner Kebab is key to staying within a backpacker budget. A pint of local beer can be €4-6, whereas in Krakow it might be €2-4.
How Easy Is Getting Around?
Both cities have efficient public transport systems, but the cost differs.
- Krakow Transport Budget: €3-6 per day (estimated). A single public transport ticket is typically under €1, and daily passes are inexpensive, allowing access to trams and buses. Krakow’s city center is also very walkable.
- Munich Transport Budget: €7-12 per day (estimated). Munich’s extensive U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (urban rail), tram, and bus network is efficient but pricier, with single tickets typically €3-4 and day passes around €8-10.
Which Offers More Free Activities?
Both cities offer cultural experiences that can be enjoyed for free or at a low cost.
- Krakow: Walking the Royal Road, exploring the Main Market Square, visiting St. Mary’s Basilica exterior, and strolling through Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) are all free. Many churches offer free entry outside of mass times. AllInMap can help you locate free amenities like public parks and free walking tours.
- Munich: Exploring Marienplatz, watching the Glockenspiel, visiting the English Garden (one of the world’s largest urban parks), surfing the Eisbach wave, and strolling through various Viktualienmarkt are free. Some museums offer free entry on specific days or times.
