Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Barcelona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona?
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.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.
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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $97Barcelona $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is $167. 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 Barcelona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Barcelona $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Barcelona $206
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Barcelona
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Barcelona $20
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
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
- 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
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
- Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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10 Trip Metro Ticket$8.36
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Airport Bus$5.36
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Metro$2.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- transfer with wheelchair Accessible from Bcn airport/ port/city: $285
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Barcelona APT-HTL (BCN): $55
- Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $37
- Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $41
- Transfers From Barcelona Sants Train Station to Hotel bcn: $31
- Transfers From Barcelona Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $40
- Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $27
- Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona City - Barcelona Airport (BCN): $33
- Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona Airport (BCN) - Barcelona City: $33
- Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona City - Barcelona Airport (BCN): $49
- Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona Airport (BCN) - Barcelona City: $44
- Transfer from cruise port to barcelona sants station : $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Barcelona?
Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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 $38Barcelona $35
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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Hot Cocoa & Churro$4.45
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Sandwich$1.82
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Baguette & Horchata$4.07
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Tapas on the beach$8.88
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Gelatto$2.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
- Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
- Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
- Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
- Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
- Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
- Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $15Barcelona $36
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
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Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass$45
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Souvenir Gaudi Book$9.16
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Admission to Museo Picasso$6.43
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- Barcelona Christmas Walking Tour: $29
- Cruise into Barcelona? Get the Most out of Your Visit!: $117
- Dali Museum, Besalu & Girona Tour from Barcelona by Fast Train : $120
- Girona and Costa Brava with Lunch: VIP Small Group Tour: $16
- Montserrat Mountains Half - Day Private Tour - From Barcelona : $261
- Private Guides Barcelona Tour with Skip The Line in Cathedral: $217
- Private Mountain Bike Tour in Barcelona: $33
- Sagrada Familia "Fast Track" Guided Tour in Barcelona: $106
- Sagrada Familia Bike Tour in Small Group: $86
- Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Gothic Quarter: $10
- Skip The Line - Early Picasso Museum and Born Neighborhood: $56
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $20Barcelona $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
- Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
- Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
- Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
- Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Barcelona?
Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?
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 Barcelona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Barcelona. Additionally, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Barcelona 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Barcelona in the Autumn?
Both Barcelona and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Barcelona 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Barcelona in the Winter?
Both Barcelona and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. Gothenburg is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Barcelona 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Barcelona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Barcelona. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Barcelona 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Barcelona and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Barcelona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 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.