Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Glasgow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Glasgow or Malmo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Malmo, 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 Malmo?
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.
Malmo
Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGlasgow £144Malmo £65
The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Malmo is £65. 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 Malmo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGlasgow £74Malmo £38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGlasgow £148Malmo £76
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Malmo
Looking for a hotel in Glasgow or Malmo? 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 Malmo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Glasgow £27Malmo £6.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $207
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:
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Malmö Bus Card£15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo
Also for Malmo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128
- Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
- Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96
- Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
- Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
- Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Malmo?
Prices for flights to both Malmo 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 £45Malmo £20
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo
For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $59
- Guided Food Tour in Malmö (Private): $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Glasgow £22Malmo £13
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 Malmo
For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $21
- Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
- Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
- Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
- Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.35
- Malmö Photography Tour: $58
- Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
- Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGlasgow £15Malmo £28
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 Malmo, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Malmo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Glasgow Expensive? and Is Malmo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Malmo?
Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow and Malmo, 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 Malmo?
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 Malmo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Malmo. The summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Glasgow is generally cooler than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Malmo during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Malmo. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGlasgow 15°C (59°F)Malmo 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Malmo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Malmo. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.
Glasgow is around the same temperature as Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.
Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGlasgow 10°C (49°F)Malmo 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Malmo in the Winter?
Both Malmo and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Malmo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Glasgow. In the winter, Glasgow is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).
Glasgow usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Malmo. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGlasgow 3°C (38°F)Malmo 0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Malmo in the Spring?
Both Malmo and Glasgow during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Glasgow is generally a little warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.
Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Malmo. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGlasgow 7°C (45°F)Malmo 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Malmo and Glasgow
| Glasgow | Malmo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 41 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.