Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $98Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $98, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Ottawa $7.27
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: $146
- Trondheim Vaernes Airport TRD to Are Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $230
- Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg Airport (GOT) to Goteborg Port: $50
- Private Transfer from Goteborg Cruise Port to Gothenburg City: $65
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $509
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $120
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $176
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $38Ottawa $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $16Ottawa $40
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
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $113
- City Kayak Tour: $60
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
- Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
- Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $926
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
- Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $65
- Fascinating Gothenburg Walking Tour for Couples: $257
- Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $114
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $21Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa 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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Gothenburg is cooler than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gothenburg. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Gothenburg during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Gothenburg is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Ottawa.
Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Gothenburg. In January, Gothenburg is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Ottawa.
Gothenburg is cooler than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.