Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Oslo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Oslo? 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 Oslo?
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.
Oslo
Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $97Oslo $136
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Oslo is $136. 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 Oslo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Oslo $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Oslo $162
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Oslo
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Oslo? 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 Oslo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Oslo $23
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
- Private Transfer from Goteborg Port to Gothenburg Airport (GOT): $50
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg Airport (GOT) to Goteborg Port: $50
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
- Private Transfer from Goteborg Cruise Port to Gothenburg City: $64
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $94
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $101
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:
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Tram Ticket$6.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:
- Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim- Round-Trip Transfer: $80
- Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $40
- Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $213
- Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $227
- Private Transfer:Oslo Gardermoen Airport(OSL) to Oslo City Center: $70
- Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo Cruise Port: $89
- Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo City Centre: $153
- Private Transfer Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hemsedal: $294
- Private Oslo Airport and City Transfers: $163
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (Oslo Airport To/From Oslo): $88
- Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $83
- Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $254
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Oslo?
Prices for flights to both Oslo 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 $38Oslo $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.
- Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
- Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
- Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
- 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
- Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $15Oslo $19
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $9.26
- 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: $31
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
- Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
- Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
- Archipelago cruise with guide: $36
Tours and Activities in Oslo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:
- 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo: $93
- 2-Hour Private Tour in Oslo, Norway: $196
- 2.hr Oslo Kayak Tour “Fjord City”: $91
- 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $214
- 3- Hour Kayak Tour on the Oslofjord: $107
- 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $48
- 4 hours Winter View of the Oslofjord Walk Tour : $188
- Akerselva River Kayak Tour; An Urban Paddling Adventure: $91
- Akerselva River Tour : $93
- An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
- Authentic Oslo bike tour: $44
- BIKING OSLO PRIVATE EXPERIENCE Upto 8 Participants Max: $209
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $20Oslo $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Oslo?
Oslo has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Oslo, 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 Oslo?
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 Oslo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Oslo. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Gothenburg is around the same temperature as Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Oslo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Oslo in the Autumn?
Both Oslo and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Gothenburg is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Oslo 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Oslo in the Winter?
Both Oslo and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Oslo can be very cold. Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. Gothenburg is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In the winter, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Oslo -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Oslo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Oslo. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.
In the spring, Gothenburg is around the same temperature as Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).
Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Oslo 6°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Oslo and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Oslo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.