Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Tromso? 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 Tromso?
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.
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
-
Gothenburg Prices
Sweden PricesTromso Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $147Tromso $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $147, while the average daily cost in Tromso is $89. 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 Tromso in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $47Tromso $35
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $94Tromso $70
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Tromso
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Tromso? 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 Tromso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $22Tromso $12
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: $213
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $169
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $130
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $107
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $79
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Tromso?
Prices for flights to both Tromso 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 $78Tromso $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $214
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $230
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $18Tromso $7.08
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $38
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat: $55
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $47
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $66
- City Kayak Tour: $60
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $38
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $76
- Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $581
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $37
- Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $122
Tours and Activities in Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $98
- 5 Fjords Tour by Minivan in 4 Hours: $209
- A Tromsø Introduction: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- An All-Inclusive Tour - Aurora & Arctic Experience: $264
- Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran: $159
- Arctic Nature Photography Sightseeing Tour from Tromso: $159
- Arctic Stand Up Paddleboarding Adventure near Tromsø: $197
- Aurora tour with free portrait and bonfire: $159
- Discover Tromsø: A Self-Guided Tour: $3.54
- Evening tour: Sledding, mini skiing, lasso and reindeer hides: $77
- Express Fjord Road trip with Cruise Ship Pick up and Drop off: $126
- Fjord & History Cruise: $153
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $24Tromso $5.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Tromso, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg than you might in Tromso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Tromso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Tromso?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Tromso, 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 Tromso?
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 Tromso in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Tromso. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Gothenburg is a little warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tromso this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tromso. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Tromso 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Tromso in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Tromso. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In the autumn, Gothenburg is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tromso. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Tromso 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Tromso in the Winter?
Both Tromso and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.
It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. In January, Gothenburg is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Tromso. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Tromso -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Tromso in the Spring?
Both Tromso and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. Gothenburg is much warmer than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In the spring, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Tromso 1°C (33°F)
Typical Weather for Tromso and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Tromso | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.