A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Malmo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Interlaken or Malmo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Malmo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Interlaken or Malmo?

Interlaken

Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.

Malmo

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Interlaken?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, while the average daily cost in Malmo is $81. 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 Interlaken and Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Malmo $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Malmo $96
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken or Malmo? 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 Interlaken


Hotels in Malmo


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: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Malmo $7.88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

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

  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

  • Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
  • Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo and Interlaken 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
    Interlaken $64
    Malmo $25
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

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

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo

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

  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $59
  • Guided Food Tour in Malmö (Private): $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Interlaken $104
    Malmo $16

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

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

  • Hidden gems e-bike tour with picnic at Lake Brienz : $212
  • Iseltwald, Aare Gorge and Lake Brienz Experience in Switzerland: $290
  • 007 Elegance: Private Tour to Schilthorn from Interlaken: $480
  • A Day at Lake Brienz and Lauterbrunnen Tour from Zurich: $1,260
  • Alpine Heights Jungfraujoch Small Group Tour from Interlaken: $529
  • Alpine Majesty: Bern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $835
  • Bern: Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee Hiking Private Tour: $709
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Canyoning Experience Grimsel from Interlaken : $200
  • From Grimsel Gorge Canyoning Tour: $196
  • From Gruyères, Cheese Factory & Cailler Tour: $290

Tours and Activities in Malmo

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

  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $21
  • Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
  • Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.35
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $58
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Interlaken $17
    Malmo $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and Malmo, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Malmo.

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


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Malmo?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Malmo, 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 Interlaken or Malmo?

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 Interlaken or Malmo in the Summer?

Both Malmo and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In the summer, Interlaken is a little warmer than Malmo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Malmo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Malmo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Malmo. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Malmo in the Autumn?

Both Malmo and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Malmo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Malmo. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine.

Malmo can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. Interlaken is much warmer than Malmo in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Malmo fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Malmo. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Malmo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Malmo. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Interlaken is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Malmo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Malmo. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Interlaken

Interlaken Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)