Which place is cheaper, Boston or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Boston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Boston? 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 Boston?
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.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
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 in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $98Boston $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $98, while the average daily cost in Boston is $255. 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 Boston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Boston $166
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Boston
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Boston? 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 Boston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Boston $37
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
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Taxi$35
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Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Downtown to Boston Airport (BOS): $69
- Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Airport (BOS) to City Downtown: $69
- Round trip transfer in private vehicle from Boston downtown-to the Airport (BOS): $138
- Round trip Airport Transfer: Logan - Boston: $300
- Private transfer: Boston to Boston Airport (BOS): $96
- Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Boston: $968
- Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
- Private Transfer from Boston to Flynn Cruiseport Boston: $116
- Private Transfer from Boston City to Boston (BOS) Airport: $103
- Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $88
- Private Transfer from Boston (BOS) Airport to Boston City: $103
- Private Transfer between Boston Logan Airport and Boston City: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Boston?
Prices for flights to both Boston 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 $38Boston $49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
- AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
- Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
- North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
- Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $77
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
- Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $89
- Ultimate Food Tour of North End & Public Market: $89
- Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
- Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
- Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $16Boston $33
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 Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
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Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
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Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $25
- "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $25
- 1 If By Land Walking Tours: History Walking Tour of Boston: $45
- 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option: $46
- 1-Day Tour to Portland-Maine from Boston: $175
- 1692 Salem Day Tour: $32
- 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $32
- 2 Hour North End 'Little Italy' Walking Tour : $35
- 2-Hour Beacon Hill True Crime Expert Guided Tour: $35
- 90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $43
- A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $425
- A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $216
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $21Boston $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
- Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
- History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
- Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
- Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Boston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Boston?
Boston has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Boston, 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 Boston?
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 Boston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Boston. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Boston. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Boston. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Boston 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Boston in the Autumn?
Both Boston and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.
In October, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Boston. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Boston during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Boston 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Boston in the Winter?
Both Boston and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. Gothenburg is a little warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).
In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Boston. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Boston 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Boston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Boston. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Boston during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Boston. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Boston 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Boston and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Boston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 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.