A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gothenburg vs. Carcassonne for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gothenburg or Carcassonne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Gothenburg or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne?

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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Gothenburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is $114. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Carcassonne $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Carcassonne $130
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Carcassonne? 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.

Hotels in Gothenburg


Hotels in Carcassonne


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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Carcassonne $7.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $145
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $145
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Gothenburg $38
    Carcassonne $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $15
    Carcassonne $15

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Days Private Tour in Gothenburg: $300
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • After Dark in A Guided Nightlife Tour: $263
  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $113
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
  • Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $918
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
  • Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
  • Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $113
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $20
    Carcassonne $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Carcassonne, we can see that Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Carcassonne?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Gothenburg or Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gothenburg is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gothenburg. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Gothenburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In October, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Carcassonne. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Carcassonne. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. Gothenburg is much colder than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Carcassonne. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)