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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

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 from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Gothenburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $143, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is $102. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $46
    Zagreb $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $92
    Zagreb $110
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $21
    Zagreb $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $123
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $79
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $16
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $16
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $70
  • Private Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park: $408
  • Direct bus Transfer from/to Split: $16
  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $11
  • Zagreb to Split: Personalized Transfer & Custom Day Trip!: $426
  • Zagreb to Rovinj: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes Visit: $823
  • Zagreb to Rovinj private transfer or vice versa: $294
  • Zagreb airport private transfers: $35
  • Zagreb Private Roundtrip Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • Zagreb Departure Private Transfers from Zagreb City to Zagreb Airport ZAG: $75
  • Zagreb Arrival Private Transfers from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City: $75
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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 $75
    Zagreb $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gothenburg

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

  • Taysta's Food Tour i Göteborg: $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.

  • Zagreb Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $83
  • Zagreb Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $93
  • Zagreb Food Tour: Bite into Traditional Dishes and Flavors: $140
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $199
  • Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $199
  • Zagreb Hike & Taste - Nature Park. Medieval castle. Local Dinner: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Zagreb $13

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 With 100 Audio Stories: $3.52
  • Gothenburg Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $9.98
  • Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $17
  • Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $17
  • Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $17
  • World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $20
  • Self-Guided Secrets of Gothenburg Exploration Game Tour: $23
  • Paradox Museum Entry Ticket: $25
  • Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $26
  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $27
  • The Paddan Tour: $29
  • City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $29

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • (120min) Zagreb All Around Tour-all of the Lower town/Upper town: $91
  • 2 hour Private Walking Tour of Zagreb: $65
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Zagreb: $71
  • 4 Day Private Istria Tour from Explore & Enjoy: $1,657
  • 4-hour Private Zagreb & the Mountain Tour in a Yugo car: $123
  • Advent in Zagreb - guided walking tour: $29
  • All of Zagreb Bike Tour: $73
  • Amazinga Entertainment Entry Ticket 3h: $38
  • Back to Yugoslavia Private City Tour in Old-Timer Yugo Car: $100
  • Best of Slovenia: Bled, Postojna, Ljubljana Day Tour from Zagreb: $259
  • Best of Zagreb Walking Tour: $105
  • Best of Zagreb! Private Walking Tour; Meet the greats -Sit & Meet: $106

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $23
    Zagreb $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl, 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks, & Club Entry: $34
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $35
  • Hidden Craft Distillery & Awarded Croatian Spirits Tasting: $35
  • Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $111
  • Japetić Viewpoint Hike & Plešivica Wine Tasting: $151
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $152
  • Hrastje Plešivičko Wine Tasting Day Trip: $175
  • WINE TASTING near Zagreb: $177
  • From Samobor Highlights & Wine Tasting in Plešivica: $193
  • The Dionysus Tour - Wine Tasting at Plešivica and Samobor visit: $218
  • Private Wine Tour from Two Local Wineries & Samobor: $282
  • From Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch: $292


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Zagreb, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Zagreb.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Gothenburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gothenburg. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Zagreb. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Gothenburg is much colder than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Zagreb. Additionally, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)