Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Copenhagen?
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 Copenhagen or Gothenburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Gothenburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Copenhagen or Gothenburg?
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.
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Copenhagen Prices
Denmark PricesGothenburg Prices
Sweden Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCopenhagen $276Gothenburg $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $276, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $147. 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 Copenhagen and Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCopenhagen $98Gothenburg $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCopenhagen $196Gothenburg $94
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen or Gothenburg? 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: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Copenhagen $78Gothenburg $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:
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Bicycle Renting$67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen
Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $72
- Private transfer Copenhagen airport, Port to or from the city: $123
- Private Transfers in Copenhagen – to/from airport or hotel: $252
- Private Transfer: Copenhagen Airport CPH to Cruise Port: $140
- Private Transfer to/From Copenhagen to Malmo.: $218
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport: $127
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Roskilde Airport RKE: $119
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $126
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH): $126
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Port: $126
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Airport: $106
- Private Luxury Van Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen: $156
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $168
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $114
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $79
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Copenhagen 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 dayCopenhagen $115Gothenburg $78
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hot Dogs$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $41
- Copenhagen : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $104
- Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $106
- Copenhagen Culinary Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $140
- Modern City Food Tour: $149
- Original Copenhagen food tour: 8 tastings, full meal & VIP access: $150
- Copenhagen Modern Food Tour: $153
- NEW! Eating Copenhagen Food Tour: More than Smørrebrød: $158
- E-Bike Guided Food Tour with 3 stops: $188
- Copenhagen Private Culinary Food Tour with 6 Tastings of Classics: $231
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Copenhagen $34Gothenburg $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Tour$9.36
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Coffee$15
Tours and Activities in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Østerbro: Evening Treats & Insights Walking Tour: $86
- 1 Hour Copenhagen Segway Tour: $67
- 1-Hour Private Segway Tour Copenhagen - Your own private group: $83
- 2 Hour Copenhagen Segway Tour: $87
- 2 Hours Copenhagen E-Bike Guided Tours: $87
- 3 Hour Copenhagen Architecture Masterclass Bike Tour: $83
- 3 Hour Copenhagen Liveability and Urban Design Bike Tour: $75
- 3-Hour Private Copenhagen Walking Tour: $188
- 3-hour Copenhagen City Highlights Bike Tour: $55
- 3-hour Culinary Bike Tour in English: $111
- 90-minute Private City Highlights Walking Tour in Copenhagen: $269
- Best of Copenhagen Biking Tour-3 Hours, Small Group max 10: $102
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $37
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat: $54
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $46
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $65
- City Kayak Tour: $60
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $38
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $76
- Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $581
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $37
- Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCopenhagen $15Gothenburg $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen
Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $47
- Vejrhøj Arch Hike with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $251
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Gothenburg, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen than you might in Gothenburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Gothenburg?
Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Gothenburg, 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 Copenhagen or Gothenburg?
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 Copenhagen or Gothenburg in the Summer?
Both Gothenburg and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Gothenburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In July, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gothenburg. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCopenhagen 17°C (63°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
Both Gothenburg and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Copenhagen is generally a little warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Gothenburg. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCopenhagen 10°C (50°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or Gothenburg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Gothenburg. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen is much warmer than Gothenburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCopenhagen 1°C (33°F)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or Gothenburg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Gothenburg. The spring months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Copenhagen is a little warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gothenburg. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCopenhagen 7°C (45°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Copenhagen
| Copenhagen | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (37°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 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.