Which place is cheaper, Flam or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Flam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Flam? 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 Flam?
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.
Flam
Flam is a village in Norway. The fjord village of Flam is located on the scenic inner Aurlandsfjord branch of the world's deepest and second-longest fjord, Sognefjord. Flam is surrounded by steep mountains, thundering waterfalls and narrow valleys, and during the spring and summer months you will see large cruise ships gliding in through the narrow fjord with their course set for Flam Harbor. The main attraction here is the stunning mountain railway that creeps up into the surrounding peaks and offers truly eye-popping panoramas. Unfortunately, it's far from a well-kept secret, and on the busiest summer days the tiny village can find itself swamped by several thousand visitors – it's probably best left for the quieter seasons of spring and autumn. The popular 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour also stops here.
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 Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $97Flam $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Flam is $111. 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 Flam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Flam $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Flam $116
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Flam
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Flam? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Flam $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
- Gothenburg Airport Transfers : Gothenburg to Airport GOT in Luxury Van: $153
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $144
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $144
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $120
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Flam?
Prices for flights to both Flam 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 $38Flam $36
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $15Flam $17
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
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat: $46
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $115
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
- Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
- Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $780
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $9.37
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
- Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $20Flam $3.68
When comparing the travel costs between Gothenburg and Flam, we can see that Flam is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Flam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Flam?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 1010 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Flam, 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 Flam?
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 Flam in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Flam. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Gothenburg is around the same temperature as Flam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Flam averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Flam receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Flam. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Flam 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Flam in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Flam. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Flam this time of year.
In October, Gothenburg is generally around the same temperature as Flam. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Flam. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in October than Flam. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Flam 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Flam in the Winter?
Both Flam and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Flam. It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. Gothenburg is much colder than Flam in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Flam fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In January, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Flam. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Flam 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Flam in the Spring?
Both Flam and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Flam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Gothenburg is cooler than Flam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Flam averages at about 6°C (43°F).
Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Flam. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Flam 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Flam and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Flam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 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.