Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Gothenburg?
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 Gothenburg or Amsterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Gothenburg or Amsterdam?
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.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
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Gothenburg Prices
Sweden PricesAmsterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $147Amsterdam $245
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $147, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $245. 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 Gothenburg and Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $47Amsterdam $119
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $94Amsterdam $238
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Amsterdam? 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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $22Amsterdam $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $107
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $213
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $79
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $169
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram$3.72
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Renting a Bike$17
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One Hour Canal Cruise$12
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Single Day Transit Pass$3.03
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport$3.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport: $101
- VIP Amsterdam Airport Arrival Transfer: $77
- Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $40
- Transfer from cruise port in Amsterdam to a hotel in Amsterdam: $77
- Transfer from a hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port in Amsterdam: $74
- Taxi minibus Transfer cruise port Amsterdam to Airport Amsterdam: $166
- Taxi minibus Transfer Amsterdam Hotel to cruise port Amsterdam: $130
- Taxi Transfer from hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port in Rotterdam: $187
- Taxi Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam: $95
- Schiphol to Amsterdam VIP Transfer | Meet & Greet Taxi: $178
- Schiphol airport to the cruise terminal IJmuiden. Private transfer.: $79
- Schiphol Amsterdam Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Amsterdam?
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Gothenburg 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 dayGothenburg $78Amsterdam $93
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea$6.98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $11
- Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $14
- Amsterdam The Original Pizza Cruise with Unlimited Drinks: $47
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $71
- Amsterdam Food Tour: +10 Tastes, Culture and Canals with Sherpa: $89
- Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $91
- Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $95
- Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $106
- Anne Frank and the Jewish Quarter Food Tour: $107
- Jordaan Food Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition: $108
- Amsterdam Food Tour of 10+ Local Classic Tastings in Jordaan Area: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $18Amsterdam $42
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Self-Guided Tour in Gothenburg With 100 Audio Stories: $3.55
- Gothenburg Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $14
- Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $17
- Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $17
- Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $18
- World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $20
- Paradox Museum Entry Ticket: $25
- Universeum Entry Ticket: $27
- Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $27
- City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $29
- The Paddan Tour: $30
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum$6.98
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House$20
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "The 10 Most Polluted Masterpieces: A Sustainable Digital Tour": $12
- 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $15
- 2 Countries in 1 Day: Cologne Day Tour from Amsterdam: $117
- 2 Hours Amsterdam Private Walking Tour: $136
- 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $231
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of the Highlights of Amsterdam: $181
- 2 hour food tasting Tour in Amsterdam Group Tour: $107
- 2-Hour Private Anne Frank Walking Tour with Drink: $156
- 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $53
- 2.5 hours Amsterdam Pedicab Tour: $285
- 3h countryside tour on sidecar motorcycle: $237
- 420 Official Smoking Boat Tour in Amsterdam: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $24Amsterdam $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Red Light District Bar Crawl: $24
- Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $32
- Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $101
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $103
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Amsterdam, 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 Gothenburg or Amsterdam?
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 Gothenburg or Amsterdam in the Summer?
Both Amsterdam and Gothenburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gothenburg is generally around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gothenburg. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Amsterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Amsterdam. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Gothenburg is cooler than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Amsterdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Amsterdam. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Amsterdam in the Spring?
Both Amsterdam and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
In April, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Amsterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.