Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Gothenburg or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian?
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.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
-
Gothenburg Prices
Sweden PricesSan Sebastian Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $145San Sebastian $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $145, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is $133. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $46San Sebastian $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $92San Sebastian $94
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $21San Sebastian $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Transfer San Sebastian to Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports by Van: $116
- Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $65
- San Sebastian Private Arrival Transfer: $59
- San Sebastián: Transfer to Biarritz: $287
- Private Transfer in San Sebastian: $87
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Biarritz: $192
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to San Sebastian Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $281
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport : $192
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $281
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Biarritz city: $192
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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 dayGothenburg $76San Sebastian $64
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Dinner for 2$65
-
Lunch for 2$12
-
Lunch for 2$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $118
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines: $131
- Best Street Food Tour of San Sebastian with a Local Guide: $133
- Basque cuisine cooking class: $155
- Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $155
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Old Town: $166
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $173
- Dinner in a Gastronomic Club in San Sebastian: $191
- Eat Like a True Basque San Sebastian Authentic Culinary Food Tour: $197
- Local Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $233
- San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $256
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $275
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $18San Sebastian $37
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Self Guided Tour in Gothenburg: $3.58
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
- Headless Horseman in Self-Guided Ghost Tour Game: $8.63
- Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $15
- Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
- Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
- World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $19
- Universeum Entry Ticket: $24
- Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $25
- City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $28
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Valle de los Caídos Monument$7.04
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- Pamplona City Tour from San Sebastian: $106
- " Basque Farm House & Cider house" tour + meal from San Sebastian: $111
- "A la Vasca" - Top Notch Gastro Cultural Experience: $208
- 2 h Privated Sail Sebastian Tour or Sunset: $281
- A Perfect Start to your SS visit! City/cultural Tour: $66
- BASQUE CRAFT BEER and FOOD - Private Gastronomic Adventure: $214
- Best Private Pintxos tour in San Sebastian : $173
- Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $94
- Bike Tour La Belle ëpoque. Romantic Area and beaches.: $48
- Bilbao City Tour from San Sebastian: $113
- Camino de Santiago trail. Private trekking tour along the coast: $298
- City tour, bike ride: $54
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $24San Sebastian $23
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 San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $123
- San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $130
- San Sebastian Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour: $173
- Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian : $178
- Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $209
- Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $214
- Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour w/Lunch, SS: $284
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $287
- Private Txakoli Wine Tour through the Coast from San Sebastian: $287
- Private Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour from San Sebastian: $299
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $299
When comparing the travel costs between Gothenburg and San Sebastian, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gothenburg Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or San Sebastian?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Gothenburg or San Sebastian in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as San Sebastian. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gothenburg is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
Both San Sebastian and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.
Gothenburg is much colder than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or San Sebastian in the Winter?
Both San Sebastian and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or San Sebastian in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and San Sebastian. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.
San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.