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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €167, while the average daily cost in Malmo is €98. 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 63
    Malmo 47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 126
    Malmo 94
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 25
    Malmo 7.75
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:

  • VIP transfer from the airport to Lisbon hotels: $24
  • Transfers from/to Lisbon Airport to: Fátima / Nazaré / Alcobaça..: $284
  • Transfers from Lisbon airport and to Lisbon Airport: $178
  • Transfers and Tours safely and comfortably aboard a Tesla M3: $41
  • Transfers - Lisbon Centre - > Lisbon Airport: $59
  • Transfer to Sintra, Cascais, Estoril and Carcavelos from Lisbon: $130
  • Transfer to Figueira da Foz from Lisbon: $258
  • Transfer to Ericeira from Lisbon: $117
  • Transfer to Elvas from Lisbon: $294
  • Transfer to Comporta / Troia from Lisbon: $207
  • Transfer to Algarve from Lisbon: $296
  • Transfer service to Lisbon: $38

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 Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $166
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo: $101
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $101
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68

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 73
    Malmo 43
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:

  • Premium Portuguese Wine & Pizza Cruise with Open Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Sunset Luxury Boat Vibes with Drinks & Pizza: $31
  • Lisbon Night Luxury Boat Vibes with Drinks & Pizza: $31
  • Lisbon Luxury Cozy Cruise with Drinks & Pizza: $31
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Lisbon Night Cozy Boat Cruise with Open Bar & Pizza: $35
  • Lisbon Sunset Cozy Boat Cruise with Open Bar & Pizza: $38
  • Lisbon Sunset DJ Party Cruise with Pizza & Drinks: $41
  • Lisbon Fado Experience: Walking Tour, Dinner and Live Music Show: $65
  • Dinner with Rising Stars of Fado at Canto do Poeta: $65
  • Lisbon Flavors and Traditions Small Group Food Tour: $70
  • Mesa de Frades Dinner in Lisbon Fado Show Portuguese Live Music: $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo

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

  • Taysta's Food Tour i Malmö: $42
  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $89

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:

  • Évora & Monsaraz: Alentejo Traditions Private Tour from Lisbon: $284
  • Évora Day Trip from Private Tour with Chapel of Bones: $268
  • Évora Historical Private Tour: $154
  • Évora Private Tour - Cork Factory Visit Included: $292
  • Évora and Megalithic Circuit 10H Private Tour From Lisbon/Cascais: $284
  • Évora and Monsaraz Full Day Private Tour: $287
  • Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $172
  • Óbidos The Medieval Queen’s Village in Portugal Full Day Tour: $139
  • Óbidos historic village and Mafra Palace Private Tour: $136
  • Óbidos, Nazaré & Fátima Tour in car or van: $237
  • "Help the Marquis of Pombal save the king!" Self-Guided Walk Tour: $59
  • "Lisbon by Night" up to 6 people, private tour: $68

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: $25
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Malmö Highlights Walking Tour: $32
  • Malmö Outdoor Escape Game: Self-Guided City Adventure: $24
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $66
  • Malmo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $44
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $72
  • Malmo Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $75
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Malmö with Audio Guide: $5.92
  • Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon 18
    Malmo 35

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

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

  • Lisbon Port Wine Tasting at Taylors Shop and Tasting Room: $20
  • Private Pub Crawl in Lisbon: $24
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
  • Lisbon Rooftop Bar Crawl Private Group Experience: $24
  • Halloween Haunts: Lisbon Pub Crawl Experience: $30
  • Carcavelos Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $53
  • Wine Tasting with the best view in Lisbon: $53
  • Small-Group Évora & Monsaraz Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon: $67
  • From Family Winery Tour, Historic Cellars & Wine Tasting: $77
  • Wine Tasting with Cheeses Charcutaria and Bread Table: $77
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting and Food Pairing: $77


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)