Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Glasgow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Glasgow or Gothenburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Gothenburg, 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: Glasgow or Gothenburg?
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, 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 dayGlasgow £144Gothenburg £78
The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is £78. 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 Glasgow and Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGlasgow £74Gothenburg £32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGlasgow £148Gothenburg £64
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Glasgow £27Gothenburg £15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Glasgow to Glasgow International Airport (GLA): $68
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow : $82
- Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
- Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $12
- Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $55
- Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
- Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
- Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
- Glasgow to Aberdeen Int Airport (ABZ)-Departure Private Transfer: $120
- Glasgow hotels to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108
- Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $153
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $145
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $145
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $120
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
- Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Glasgow 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 dayGlasgow £45Gothenburg £31
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
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Dessert at Farmer's Market£1.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Glasgow £22Gothenburg £12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)£12
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Two Bike Rental£34
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
- 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
- 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
- Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
- City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
- Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
- Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
- From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
- From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Days Private Tour in Gothenburg: $300
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
- After Dark in A Guided Nightlife Tour: $263
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $113
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
- Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
- Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $918
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
- Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
- Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $113
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGlasgow £15Gothenburg £16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
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Bottle of Wine£12
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Ciders at Kilted Skirlie£3.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glasgow and Gothenburg, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Gothenburg?
Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Gothenburg in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Gothenburg. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Glasgow is around the same temperature as Gothenburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Gothenburg during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 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 JulyGlasgow 15°C (59°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Gothenburg. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In the autumn, Glasgow is a little warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 9°C (47°F).
In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Gothenburg. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun.
Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Gothenburg. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 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 OctoberGlasgow 10°C (49°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Gothenburg in the Winter?
Both Gothenburg and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. In January, Glasgow is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
Glasgow usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 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 JanuaryGlasgow 3°C (38°F)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Gothenburg in the Spring?
Both Gothenburg and Glasgow during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.
Glasgow is a little warmer than Gothenburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Gothenburg. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun.
Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Gothenburg. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 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 AprilGlasgow 7°C (45°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Glasgow
| Glasgow | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.