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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Frankfurt?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Frankfurt? 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 Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial and business hub of Germany. It houses the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange, and often plays host to trade shows and business fairs. It has the country's most modern skyline and the largest airport. It is also a transportation hub for Germany with many important train lines passing through. The city itself is situated on the River Main. Some of the most important sights are along the river near Romer Square and include museums and monuments. This area pulls in millions of tourists every year. Although many sights are clustered in this area, it's important to head into more off the beaten path areas that can be enjoyable to explore. These areas offer glimpses into daily life in Frankfurt.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt is $131. 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 Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Frankfurt $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Frankfurt $124
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Frankfurt? 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 Frankfurt


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Frankfurt $27

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

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


  • Car Rental
    $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

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

  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $27
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Kaiserlautern: $267
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Frankfurt City: $54
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $61
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $396
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Frankfurt City: $123
  • Private transfer from Frankfurt am Main to Prague: $1,059
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg Port/Harbor transport: $284
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Van: $76
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Sedan Car: $72
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt in Van: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt 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
    Frankfurt $44

Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    $2.14
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    $7.50
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    $6.43
  • Sandwich and Cola
    $7.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

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

  • FOOD TOUR WITH 3-4 LOCAL INSIDER FOODSPOTS: $80
  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $281

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $15
    Frankfurt $39

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 Frankfurt

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

  • 2-Hour Best of Frankfurt Walking Tour (English): $26
  • Atta Dripstone Cave and Braunfels Castle Tour from Frankfurt: $271
  • Bike Tour of Frankfurt Top Attractions & Nature with a Guide : $207
  • Bike tour city tour by bike to Skyline, Goethe, and apple wine: $53
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Breathtaking Pearls of Frankfurt - Walking Tour: $242
  • Cologne & Limburg Full-Day Tour: $283
  • Culinary Frankfurt Walking Tour: $609
  • Exciting private city tour of Frankfurt for your group: $164
  • Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $108
  • Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $20
  • Frankfurt - Old Town Historic Walking Tour: $374

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $20
    Frankfurt $32

Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    $2.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

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

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $21
  • Enjoy the night with our Pub Tours: $32
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $34
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $279
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $280
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $286
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $334
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $748


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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Gothenburg is cooler than Frankfurt in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Frankfurt. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gothenburg. Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Gothenburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Gothenburg is cooler than Frankfurt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Frankfurt. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Frankfurt. Furthermore, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Frankfurt. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city.

Gothenburg is much colder than Frankfurt in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Frankfurt. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)