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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Villach?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Villach? 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 Villach?

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.

Villach

Located on the Drava River in the Austrian province of Carinthia, near the Italian and Slovenian borders, the city of Villach is known as a gateway to nearby lakes Faak and Ossiach, as well as the Villach Alps. Hiking and water sports are common in the surrounding area, as well as historic sight-seeing and enjoying the picturesque town center called Altstadt.

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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Villach 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 Villach is $125. 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 Villach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Villach $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Villach $146
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Villach

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Villach? 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 Villach


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 Villach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Villach $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Villach?

Prices for flights to both Villach 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
    Villach $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $15
    Villach $16

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
  • Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
  • Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
  • Archipelago cruise with guide: $36
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37

Tours and Activities in Villach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Villach are as follows:

  • Villach Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $250
  • Magic Christmas Tour: $769
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $20
    Villach $14


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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Villach?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Villach. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

Gothenburg is much colder than Villach in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Villach fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Villach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Villach. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Villach. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Villach 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Villach in the Autumn?

Both Villach and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gothenburg is much colder than Villach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Villach averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Villach during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Villach. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Villach 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Villach in the Winter?

Both Villach and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Villach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gothenburg. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Villach. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Villach fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Villach. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Villach. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Villach 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Villach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Villach. Furthermore, most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Gothenburg is much colder than Villach in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Villach fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Villach during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Villach. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Villach 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Villach and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Villach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)