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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Milan?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Milan? 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 Milan?

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.

Milan

Milan, known to most of the world as the capital of fashion and style, is also the heart of Italian industry and economics. Between the stock exchange, cathedrals and boutiques, this metropolis is a city-lover's dream come true. It is an escape from the stresses of the real world, and provides a playground for all the world's most lavish luxuries.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Milan 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 Milan is $178. 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 Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Milan $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Milan $206
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Milan

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Milan? 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 Milan


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 Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Milan $38

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan

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


  • Train to Airport
    $7.50
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    $24
  • Taxi From Airport
    $96
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    $4.82
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $7.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

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

  • taxi / transfer service to and from airports: $240
  • Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $856
  • Zug : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $684
  • Vitznau : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $695
  • Varese : Private Transfer to/from Rho Fiera: $171
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Milan HTL-APT (MXP): $185
  • Tremezzo: Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $246
  • Transfer from Milano or Linate: $136
  • Transfer from Milan to Ravenna Cruise Port with stop in Verona: $257
  • Transfer from Milan to Milan Malpensa: $185
  • Transfer from Malpensa Airport to Milan city center: $12
  • Transfer Milan city center - Malpensa airport: $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Milan?

Prices for flights to both Milan 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
    Milan $42

Typical Food Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:


  • Snack at Train Station
    $9.22
  • Restaurant Pizza
    $7.07
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    $29
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $69
  • Cappuccino
    $1.75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

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

  • PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
  • Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
  • Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
  • Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
  • Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $15
    Milan $33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan

For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    $7.50

Tours and Activities in Milan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.

  • Lake Como trekking private guided tour, from Milan or Como: $174
  • Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
  • Milan Urban Wonders Small Group Tour: $53
  • Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
  • Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.53
  • "Milano Style: Your Italian Fashion Experience": $164
  • 1 hour Italian Food Experiences in Milan: $39
  • 1.5-hour The Last Supper and Church of San Maurizio tour in Milan - small group: $85
  • 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $125
  • 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $156
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Milan by Electric Scooter: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $20
    Milan $26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan

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


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    $9.00
  • Beer
    $3.59

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

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

  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
  • Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
  • Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
  • Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
  • Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
  • Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
  • Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
  • Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184


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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Milan. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Gothenburg is cooler than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Milan. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Milan 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Milan. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gothenburg is much colder than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Milan. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Milan 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Milan. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Milan 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Gothenburg is much colder than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Milan 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Milan and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Milan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)