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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Gothenburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Gothenburg Prices
    Sweden Prices
    Dubrovnik Prices
    Croatia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gothenburg $137
    Dubrovnik $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $137, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $177. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $44
    Dubrovnik $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $88
    Dubrovnik $146
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik


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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $20
    Dubrovnik $24

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 - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $205
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $163
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $119
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $103
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $84
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $16
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Zagreb to VIP Transfer with Your Choice of Tours: $846
  • Transfers up to 3 persons to or from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik: $60
  • Transfers to and from Ston area to and from Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik airport: $176
  • Transfers from Dubrovnik: $68
  • Transfer to from Slano up to 7 persons to or from Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik APT: $114
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $68
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik airport or Dubrovnik to Sun Gardens, Trsteno or Brsečine: $113
  • Transfer Dubrovnik-Dubrovnik airport: $44
  • Transfer Dubrovnik to Split with Sightseeing in Ston Town: $280
  • Split: TO Dubrovnik Private Transfer with Stop in Ston: $467
  • Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $25
  • Private van Transfer Service in Dubrovnik: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 $72
    Dubrovnik $84

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dubrovnik Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $113
  • Sunset Dubrovnik & Dinner At St Jacob Beach: $114
  • Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $124
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $130
  • Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour With 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $135
  • Richet Cooking Class Discover Dubrovnik Culinary Treasures: $137
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $154
  • Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $157
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $160
  • Ston & Peljesac: All-Inclusive 5-Course Dinner with Premium Wine: $165
  • Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands, Wine Tasting and Cooking Experience: $250
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $17
    Dubrovnik $17

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • 24h Gothenburg Hop On-Hop Off Boat Tour: $36
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat: $52
  • Archipelago Tour with Guide in Gothenburg: $45
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $62
  • City Kayak Tour: $60
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $36
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $76
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
  • Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $581
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $37
  • Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $122

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $15
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $60
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $51

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $81
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Dubrovnik: $109
  • 2 Hours Private Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour: $157
  • 2-Hour Dubrovnik Fun and Exciting Jet Ski Safari Adventure Tour: $160
  • 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $125
  • 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $86
  • 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • ATV Dubrovnik Safari Tour: Mt Srd & Traditional Villages: $120
  • Adventure Park Cadmos Village from Dubrovnik: $205
  • Afternoon Dubrovnik Guided Kayaking Tour: $34
  • Ancient Old City– Finest tour of Dubrovnik: $28
  • Ancient Ston Walls & Exquisite Oysters: A Half-Day Adventure: $203

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $22
    Dubrovnik $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $40
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $68
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $79
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $91
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $97
  • Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $103
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tasting from Dubrovnik with Light Lunch: $108
  • Peljesac Peninsula Day Trip from Wine Tasting and Ston Village Tour: $131
  • Peljesac peninsula private wine tour from Dubrovnik: $137
  • Private Dubrovnik Highlights & Wine Tasting Tour: $141
  • Luxury Speedboat Tour with Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik: $142
  • 1 Hour and Half Food & Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik Old Town: $150


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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Dubrovnik?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Dubrovnik. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Gothenburg is much colder than Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Dubrovnik. Additionally, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gothenburg is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gothenburg. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In January, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Gothenburg is much colder than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)