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

Should you visit Kaunas or Malmo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kaunas and Malmo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Kaunas or Malmo?

Kaunas

Kaunas is the second biggest city in Lithuania, located at the country's center. It is a city of medieval history as well as modern entertainment with castle ruins, churches, and cathedrals, as well as galleries, museums, theatres, and outdoor recreation.

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 Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Kaunas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kaunas is €95, while the average daily cost in Malmo is €76. 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 Kaunas and Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 44
    Malmo 45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 88
    Malmo 90
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas 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 Kaunas


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: Kaunas Hotel Prices and Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 17
    Malmo 7.39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

  • Private Transfer from Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by car: $46
  • Private Kaunas Airport to City Transfer: $48
  • Departure Private Transfer Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by Minivan: $56

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

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


  • Malmö Bus Card
    17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo and Kaunas 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
    Kaunas 37
    Malmo 24

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.
    Kaunas 19
    Malmo 15

Tours and Activities in Kaunas

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

  • Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $55
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $86
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $170
  • Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $84
  • Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $374
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $86
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $170
  • Kaunas city center tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $109
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $144
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour: $191
  • Kayak Tour in Nemunas: $185
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $76

Tours and Activities in Malmo

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 16
    Malmo 33


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


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Malmo?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Malmo?

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 Kaunas or Malmo in the Summer?

Both Malmo and Kaunas during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kaunas is generally around the same temperature as Malmo. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 18°C (64°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Malmo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kaunas. In the summer, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets more rain in July than Malmo. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kaunas 18°C (64°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Malmo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Malmo. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Kaunas is cooler than Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo during autumn. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Malmo. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kaunas 8°C (46°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Malmo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Malmo. The winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Malmo in the winter. The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. In the winter, Kaunas is much colder than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kaunas in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Kaunas often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Malmo. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kaunas -5°C (23°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Malmo in the Spring?

Both Malmo and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year.

In April, Kaunas is generally a little warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 7°C (44°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo during spring. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kaunas usually receives more rain than Malmo. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kaunas 7°C (44°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Kaunas

Kaunas Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)