Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Geneva?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Geneva or Gothenburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Gothenburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Geneva or Gothenburg?
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGeneva $210Gothenburg $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $210, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $97. 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 Geneva and Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGeneva $145Gothenburg $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGeneva $290Gothenburg $80
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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: Geneva Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Geneva $9.38Gothenburg $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- VIP Transfer: $72
- Private Transfer: Geneva Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $689
- Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,567
- Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,214
- Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $86
- Private Transfer from Geneva Cornavin station CFF to Hotels: $108
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airpot to Geneva City: $108
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Verbier: $576
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Samoens: $291
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $86
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to City Centre: $157
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Annemasse: $117
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $120
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $153
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Geneva 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 dayGeneva $52Gothenburg $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
- Food tour in Geneva: $2,406
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Geneva $30Gothenburg $15
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $176
- (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $169
- (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $32
- 2-Hour Small-Group Bike Guided Tour in Geneva: $34
- 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package To Siwa Oasis From Cairo: $394
- 3 Hour Private Chocolate and Watch Walking Tour of Geneva: $168
- 3-Hour Private Walking Tour in Geneva: $283
- Activé Geneva Urban Art Tour 3h on a bike or ebike: $198
- Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $84
- Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $354
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $21
- Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $156
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
- Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
- Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
- Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
- Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
- Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
- Archipelago cruise with guide: $36
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGeneva $22Gothenburg $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Gothenburg, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Geneva or Gothenburg?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva or Gothenburg?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Geneva or Gothenburg in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Gothenburg. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
In July, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gothenburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun.
Geneva usually gets less rain in July than Gothenburg. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGeneva 22°C (71°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
Both Gothenburg and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Geneva is much warmer than Gothenburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Geneva usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGeneva 14°C (56°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Gothenburg in the Winter?
Both Gothenburg and Geneva during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Geneva is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Gothenburg averages at about -2°C (29°F).
In the winter, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun.
Geneva usually gets less rain in January than Gothenburg. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGeneva 4°C (39°F)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Gothenburg in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Gothenburg. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Geneva is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGeneva 11°C (53°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Geneva
| Geneva | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 57 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.