Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $97Rotterdam $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $162. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $40Rotterdam $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $80Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $18Rotterdam $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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City: $148
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $83
- Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $160
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $38Rotterdam $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $79
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $15Rotterdam $34
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
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
- Best of small-group walking tour: $96
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $20Rotterdam $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Rotterdam. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Gothenburg is around the same temperature as Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Rotterdam. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In the autumn, Gothenburg is cooler than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Rotterdam in the Winter?
Both Rotterdam and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city.
Gothenburg is cooler than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.