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

Should you visit Lisbon or Malmo?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Malmo? 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: Lisbon or Malmo?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

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 in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Lisbon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, 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 Lisbon and Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon 58
    Malmo 45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 116
    Malmo 90
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon 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 Lisbon


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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Malmo 7.39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

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

  • lisbon private luxury transfer to or from lisbon airport: $38
  • Transfers from/to Lisbon Airport to: Fátima / Nazaré / Alcobaça..: $262
  • Transfers and Tours safely and comfortably aboard a Tesla M3: $38
  • Transfers - Aeroporto de Lisboa (Chegadas/Partidas): $16
  • Transfer: Airport to where you want: $48
  • Transfer to Tivoli Hotel - Lisbon: $55
  • Transfer to Nazaré from Lisbon: $233
  • Transfer to Fátima from Lisbon: $251
  • Transfer to Ericeira from Lisbon: $108
  • Transfer to Costa da Caparica from Lisbon: $52
  • Transfer to Óbidos from Lisbon: $216
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Porto / Porto to Lisbon: $207

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:

  • 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 Lisbon or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo and Lisbon 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
    Lisbon 42
    Malmo 24
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon

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


  • Coffee
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

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

  • Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
  • Tapas Food Tour: $42
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $53
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $53
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $53
  • Legendary Beer Dinner: $53
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
  • Original Morning Food Tour: $63
  • Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $70
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $70

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.
    Lisbon 24
    Malmo 15

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

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

  • Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $217
  • 2-Hour Night Sailing Tour in Lisbon with a Drink: $49
  • Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $164
  • Lisbon Full Day Small Group City Tour: $71
  • Lisbon by Heart Private Walking Tour: $65
  • Saint George Castle Guided Tour from Lisbon: $34
  • Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $120
  • Street Art Walking Tour in Lisbon - Parque das Nações: $16
  • Évora Private Tour - Cork Factory and Wine Estate Included: $245
  • Évora Tour - Évora Town and Surroundings Private Tour: $243
  • Évora Tour - The heart of Alentejo region: $104
  • Évora Unveiled: A Half-Day Discovery| Premium Private Experience : $109

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
    Lisbon 18
    Malmo 33

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
  • Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
  • Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
  • Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide: $43


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


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Malmo?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Malmo in the Summer?

Both Malmo and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Malmo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Malmo. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Malmo in the Autumn?

Both Malmo and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lisbon is much warmer than Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Malmo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Malmo. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Malmo. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Malmo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Malmo. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Malmo. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Lisbon

Lisbon Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)