Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Heidelberg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg?
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.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $97Heidelberg $152
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is $152. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Heidelberg $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Heidelberg
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Heidelberg $18
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
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $153
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $145
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $145
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $120
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
- Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg
Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
- Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
- Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
- One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Heidelberg?
Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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 $38Heidelberg $40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg
For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
- Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $15Heidelberg $12
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 Heidelberg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.
- 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
- Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
- Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
- Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
- Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
- Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
- E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
- Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
- Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
- Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
- Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
- Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $20Heidelberg $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:
- Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Heidelberg?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?
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 Heidelberg in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Heidelberg. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.
Gothenburg is cooler than Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Heidelberg in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.
In the autumn, Gothenburg is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Heidelberg. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Heidelberg in the Winter?
Both Heidelberg and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Heidelberg in the Spring?
Both Heidelberg and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.
Gothenburg is much colder than Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Heidelberg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.