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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $509
  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport TRD to Are Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $230
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $176
  • Gothenburg Airport Transfers : Gothenburg to Airport GOT in Luxury Van: $153
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $146
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $120
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $111
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

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


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $16
    Phoenix $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 Phoenix

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

  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $89
  • 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $100
  • 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
  • 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
  • Adventure Yoga Experience on Camelback Mountain: $75
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
  • Black Ops Experience: $259
  • Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89
  • Box Canyon ATV Tour in Florence, Arizona: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $21
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

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

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155


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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Phoenix?

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

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Phoenix. Furthermore, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Gothenburg is much colder than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Phoenix. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Gothenburg is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix 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 Phoenix this time of year.

The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

Gothenburg is much colder than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)