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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Positano?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Positano? 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 Positano?

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.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

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 Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Positano 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 Positano 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 Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Positano $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Positano $316
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Positano? 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 Positano


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 Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Positano $8.28

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 Positano

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


  • Bus Ticket
    $1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

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

  • private transfer from Positano to Naples or reverse: $82
  • private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES: $109
  • Transfers Positano - Naples: $207
  • Transfer- Naples Train Station/area to Positano with a stop Sorrento: $153
  • Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
  • Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
  • Shared Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Airport: $41
  • Private transfer from Positano to Salerno: $122
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples : $120
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES with 3 hours stop in Pompeii: $191
  • Private transfer Positano to Naples: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano 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
    Positano $57

Typical Food Prices in Positano

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


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $33
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    $9.99
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

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

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
  • Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
  • Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
  • Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
  • Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $15
    Positano $65

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 Positano

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


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    $18
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    $86
  • Sunset Cruise
    $26
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    $104
  • Cooking Class
    $70

Tours and Activities in Positano

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

  • Guided Tour Pompeii And Vesuvius from Positano Skip the Line: $299
  • Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
  • Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
  • Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: $294
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
  • Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
  • Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
  • Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
  • Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
  • Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $20
    Positano $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano

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


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

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

  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
  • Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
  • Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246


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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Positano?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Positano. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Gothenburg is cooler than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Positano. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Positano 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Positano. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the autumn, Gothenburg is much colder than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Positano. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Positano 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In January, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Positano. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Positano 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Positano and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Positano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)