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

Should you visit Malmo or Galway?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo or Galway, 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 Galway?

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.

Galway

Galway is Ireland's fifth largest city with a population of over 70,000. Located in the province of Connacht, it is typically the first stop for travelers headed into western Ireland. It serves as a gateway for this scenic part of the country, but it truly is a destination in and of itself. The city is pleasantly quaint, and is crisscrossed by lovely pedestrian only streets that are lined with shopping and restaurants. There are also countless museums and galleries to explore. Churches and cathedrals dot the town and are fun to drop by if you're fascinated with architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Galway 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 Galway is $140. 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 Galway in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $48
    Galway $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $96
    Galway $150
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Galway

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Galway? 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 Galway


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 Galway Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $7.88
    Galway $35
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:

  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:

  • Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $257
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $668
  • Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $294
  • Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $294
  • Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $90
  • Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $90
  • Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $749
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $668
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $561

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Galway?

Prices for flights to both Galway 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
    Galway $35

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 Galway

Some typical examples of dining costs in Galway are as follows:


  • Fish & Chips Dinner
    $8.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway

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

  • Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour: $93
  • Galway Food Tour: $107
  • Galway Food Tours: $109
  • Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $136
  • Farm to Table Experience and Irish Cooking Class in Galway: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $16
    Galway $13

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

Tours and Activities in Galway

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

  • Abalone farm tour and tasting with coastal seaweed walk. Guided. 2 hours: $82
  • 3 Hours Guided Irish Whiskey Tour and Tasting in Galway City: $180
  • Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.: $119
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin: $136
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway: $163
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway: $82
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks: $60
  • Boat cruise with local skipper on Galway Bay. Galway city. 1 hour: $36
  • Burren Botany Experience: $16
  • Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day: $134
  • City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • City of the Tribes Tour: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $35
    Galway $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Galway

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:

  • Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $355


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Galway?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Galway, 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 Galway?

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 Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Galway. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malmo is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 17°C (62°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. In the summer, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Galway. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Galway. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Galway 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Malmo is cooler than Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Galway. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Galway 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Malmo during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Malmo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Malmo is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malmo in January average around 0°C (32°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Galway. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Galway 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Galway. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Galway because of the activities around the city.

In April, Malmo is generally much colder than Galway. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 5°C (42°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Galway during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Galway. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Galway 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Galway and Malmo

Malmo Galway
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)