Which place is cheaper, Galway or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Gothenburg or Galway?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Galway? 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 Galway?
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.
Galway
Galway is Ireland's fifth largest city with a population of over 70,000. Located in the province of Connacht, it is typically the first stop for travelers headed into western Ireland. It serves as a gateway for this scenic part of the country, but it truly is a destination in and of itself. The city is pleasantly quaint, and is crisscrossed by lovely pedestrian only streets that are lined with shopping and restaurants. There are also countless museums and galleries to explore. Churches and cathedrals dot the town and are fun to drop by if you're fascinated with 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $97Galway $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Galway is $140. 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 Galway in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Galway $75
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Galway $150
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Galway
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Galway? 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 Galway Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Galway $35
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
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
- 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
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
- Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:
- Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $257
- One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $668
- Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $294
- Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $294
- Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $90
- Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $90
- Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $749
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $668
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $561
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Galway?
Prices for flights to both Galway 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 dayGothenburg $38Galway $35
Typical Food Prices in Galway
Some typical examples of dining costs in Galway are as follows:
-
Fish & Chips Dinner$8.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Galway.
- Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour: $93
- Galway Food Tour: $107
- Galway Food Tours: $109
- Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $136
- Farm to Table Experience and Irish Cooking Class in Galway: $190
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $15Galway $13
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: $36
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
Tours and Activities in Galway
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Galway are as follows:
- Abalone farm tour and tasting with coastal seaweed walk. Guided. 2 hours: $82
- 3 Hours Guided Irish Whiskey Tour and Tasting in Galway City: $180
- Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.: $119
- Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin: $136
- Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway: $163
- Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway: $82
- Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks: $60
- Boat cruise with local skipper on Galway Bay. Galway city. 1 hour: $36
- Burren Botany Experience: $16
- Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day: $134
- City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
- City of the Tribes Tour: $131
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $20Galway $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Galway
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:
- Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $355
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Galway, we can see that Galway 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 Galway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galway 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 Galway Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Galway?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Galway, 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 Galway?
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 Galway in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Galway. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Gothenburg is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Galway. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Galway 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Galway in the Autumn?
Both Galway and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In October, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Galway. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Galway 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Galway in the Winter?
Both Galway and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year.
The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. Gothenburg is much colder than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Galway. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.
Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Galway 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Galway in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Galway. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Galway during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Galway. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Galway 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Galway and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Galway | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 125 mm (4.9 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.