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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Houston?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Houston? 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 Houston?

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.

Houston

The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Gothenburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $98, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Houston? 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 Houston


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 Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Gothenburg Airport Transfers : Gothenburg to Airport GOT in Luxury Van: $153
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $111
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $120
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $509

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $544
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
  • Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston 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
    Houston $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Montrose Food Tour: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $16
    Houston $14

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: $37
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37

Tours and Activities in Houston

Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $370
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $21
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Gothenburg is in Europe and Houston is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Gothenburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Houston. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

Gothenburg is much colder than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Houston. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Houston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Houston. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Houston. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)