Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Anchorage? 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 Anchorage?
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.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $98Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $98, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Anchorage? 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 Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Anchorage $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
- Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg Airport (GOT) to Goteborg Port: $50
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Goteborg Cruise Port to Gothenburg City: $65
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $232
- Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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 $38Anchorage $50
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $177
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $16Anchorage $30
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: $37
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- Private Mat-Su Valley, Hatcher Pass & Local Wildlife Tour: $199
- Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour: $150
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
- Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
- Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $21Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Gothenburg is in Europe and Anchorage is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Anchorage?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?
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 Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Anchorage. Additionally, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Gothenburg is around the same temperature as Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In October, Gothenburg is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. Gothenburg is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Anchorage. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the spring, Gothenburg is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.