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

Should you visit Malmo or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo or Amsterdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Malmo or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Malmo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $81, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $187. 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 Malmo and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $48
    Amsterdam $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $96
    Amsterdam $218
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Amsterdam? 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 Malmo


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Malmo Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $7.88
    Amsterdam $21
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:

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.43
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.79
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $93
  • VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
  • Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $134
  • Schiphol Airport Private Transfer to Brussels: $291
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $310
  • Rotterdam Cruise private Transfers: Hotel to Ship & Return: $144
  • Private transfer from Schiphol airport to The Hague: $102
  • Private departure transfer from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport (AMS): $57
  • Private Utrecht Transfer from Amsterdam: $153
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS): $75
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $37
  • Private Transfer in Amsterdam : $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Malmo 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
    Malmo $25
    Amsterdam $47

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

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.45
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.18
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $42
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Burger Dinner Cruise through the Amsterdam Canals: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
  • Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $16
    Amsterdam $40

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.43
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Amstagram Tour & Moco Experience: $53
  • Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
  • 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour : $109
  • 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $14
  • 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $42
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
  • 2 Hours Canal Cruise to Amsterdam’s Hidden Gems: $84
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
  • 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $218
  • 3 Hour Self-guided Cocktail Walking Tour in Amsterdam by WOGO: $44
  • 3 hour Amsterdam Private Guide Walking Tour with an Amsterdam born raised Guide: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $35
    Amsterdam $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Amsterdam Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21
  • Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $42


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Amsterdam, 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 Malmo or Amsterdam?

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 Malmo or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Malmo during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Malmo is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malmo. In the summer, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Amsterdam. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malmo is around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malmo in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Amsterdam. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Malmo. In January, Malmo is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 0°C (32°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Malmo is cooler than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Malmo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Malmo

Malmo Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)