Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Helsinki or Gothenburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Gothenburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Helsinki or Gothenburg?
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €139Gothenburg €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is €91. 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 Helsinki and Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Gothenburg €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Gothenburg €74
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Gothenburg? 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Gothenburg €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Helsinki hotels-Arrival Private Transfer : $42
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
- Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $128
- Private Transfer: Helsinki to Cruise Port in Business Car: $92
- Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port in Luxury Van: $93
- Private Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki in Luxury Van: $104
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Terminal to Helsinki hotels: $32
- Private Transfer from Helsinki City Hotels to Kotka Cruise Port: $64
- Private Transfer From Helsinki Vantaa Airport HEL to Kotka Port: $64
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
- Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $734
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $144
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $144
- Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
- Private Transfer from Goteborg Port to Gothenburg Airport (GOT): $50
- Private Transfer from Goteborg Cruise Port to Gothenburg City: $64
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €34Gothenburg €36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $105
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Gothenburg €14
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
- 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $234
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
- Adventure Day: $44
- All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,038
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $105
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $108
- Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
- First Time in Helsinki Tour: $330
- Forest Fun: Treetop Adventure Experience in Espoo: $28
- From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $138
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
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat: $46
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $115
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
- Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
- Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $780
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $9.37
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
- Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Gothenburg €19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Gothenburg, we can see that Helsinki 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Gothenburg?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Gothenburg, 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 Helsinki or Gothenburg?
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 Helsinki or Gothenburg in the Summer?
Both Gothenburg and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Helsinki is around the same temperature as Gothenburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Gothenburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
Both Gothenburg and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
In the autumn, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Gothenburg. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Gothenburg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Gothenburg. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. Helsinki can be very cold during winter. Helsinki is much colder than Gothenburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Gothenburg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Gothenburg. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Gothenburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gothenburg. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 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.