Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Mainz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Mainz? 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 Mainz?
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.
Mainz
On the Rhine River, the ages of the medieval stand before you in their half-timbered constructions, giving this quaint, old town a hint of the spellbinding. A time capsule of Germany, Mainz is enriched by its vast history as well as its cosmopolitan air. Dating back to around 38 BC, Mainz was built by Romans and founded as the the episcopal seat of the influential Prince-Electors. With its history spanning more than 2,000 years, Mainz is rich in its exquisite architecture, such as its stunning cathedrals, medieval market squares, and Renaissance fountains. However, Mainz also has been blessed with the joys and comforts of modernization, giving way to fantastic shopping centers, tasty restaurants, and absolutely fascinating museums. A media hub and regional capital, Mainz is also known as the wine capital of Germany as its civilians have a long history of winegrowing throughout the city. Whether you seek to oogle at artifacts at the Gutenberg Museum or sit a spell at one of the town's fine eateries, the possibilities are endless in Mainz!
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $97Mainz $152
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Mainz 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 Mainz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Mainz $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Mainz $160
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Mainz
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Mainz? 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 Mainz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Mainz $39
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Mainz?
Prices for flights to both Mainz 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 $38Mainz $44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $15Mainz $36
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 Mainz
For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Jewish Mainz: $207
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Mainz: $131
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Chagall Windows in Saint Stephan’s Mainz: $131
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Gutenberg Museum Mainz : $131
- 1 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $131
- 2 Hour Private Guided Family Walking Tour in Mainz : $207
- 2 Hour Private Guided Gentle Walking Tour: Mainz with the Elderly: $207
- 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Landesmuseum Mainz: $207
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Cathedral and Old Mainz: $207
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Mainz Cathedral : $197
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Chagall Windows and Old Mainz: $197
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: Gutenberg and Mainz Cathedral: $207
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $20Mainz $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Mainz, we can see that Mainz 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 Mainz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mainz 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 Mainz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Mainz?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Mainz, 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 Mainz?
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 Mainz in the Summer?
Both Mainz and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Mainz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gothenburg. Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Mainz. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Mainz 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Mainz in the Autumn?
Both Mainz and Gothenburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Mainz. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Mainz 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Mainz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Mainz. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.
It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. Gothenburg is much colder than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mainz during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Mainz. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Mainz 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Mainz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Mainz. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the spring, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Mainz. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Mainz 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Mainz and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Mainz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (38°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) | 11°C (51°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) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°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 (61°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) | 6°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) |
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.