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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Porto?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Porto? 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 Porto?

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.

Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto or Gothenburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $145, while the average daily cost in Porto is $187. 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 Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $46
    Porto $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $92
    Porto $168
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Porto? 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 Porto


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 Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $21
    Porto $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

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

  • Transfer Oporto - Aeroport / Up to 4 passengers: $30
  • Service Transfer Airport to Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia: $64
  • Private transfer between Porto and Algarve with 1 stop: $558
  • Porto Airport: Transfer to/from Valenca Do Minho Station: $12
  • Porto Airport Transfer: $24
  • Madeira: Vereda do Larano Trail One-Way Transfer Service: $23
  • Madeira: Porto da Cruz to Machico Hiking Tour with Transfer: $39
  • Funchal to Porto Moniz: Volcanic Pools Day Transfer: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto 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 $76
    Porto $74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

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

  • Porto Food & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Porto $30

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $48
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $66
  • City Kayak Tour: $53
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
  • Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $48
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
  • Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $131
  • Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $586
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
  • Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $123

Tours and Activities in Porto

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

  • 3 Hour Tuk tuk Tour in Porto: $215
  • 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $52
  • Aveiro and Costa Nova Half Day Tour from Porto with Boat Ride: $55
  • Braga & Guimarães Small Group Tour: Lunch & All Tickets Included: $167
  • Breathtaking Nature in Gerês Park - Private tour from Porto: $130
  • Daytime Sailing Adventure near Lagos and Luz!: $167
  • Douro Sunset Sailboat Experience in Porto: $70
  • Douro Valley : 2 wineries, Tastings, Lunch & Scenic River Cruise: $161
  • Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch: $113
  • Douro Valley and Régua Panoramic Cruise with Lunch from Porto: $92
  • Douro Valley: Historical Sites, Wine Experience, Lunch & Cruise: $106
  • Experience Porto's Charm: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $24
    Porto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Gothenburg

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

  • Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle: $66

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Luxury Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting & Snacks: $54
  • Port Wine Tour | 3 Cellars | 7 Tastings | 12 Participants Maximum: $60
  • Port Wine Lodges Tour Including 7 Port Wine Tastings (English): $62
  • Authentic Food and Wine Tour in Porto by Food Lover Tour: $81
  • Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, Cruise and Lunch from Porto : $96
  • Douro Valley Wine Tour: 3 Vineyard Visits, Wine Tastings, Lunch: $113
  • Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise: $118
  • Douro Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery and Lunch From Porto: $131
  • Authentic Small Group Douro Wine Tour with Lunch & River Cruise: $131
  • Small Group Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch and Cruise: $149
  • Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch and Boat: $150
  • Douro Valley Tour - 3 Wine tastings, Lunch & river Cruise: $152


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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Porto?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Porto. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Porto during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Porto. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Porto. Additionally, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Porto. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. Gothenburg is much colder than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In January, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Porto. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Porto. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)