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

Should you visit Malmo or Ghent?

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

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

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.

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent 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 Ghent is $127. 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 Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $48
    Ghent $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $96
    Ghent $154
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Ghent? 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 Ghent


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 Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $7.88
    Ghent $20
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 Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) to Bruges- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
  • Ostend <-> Luxembourg transfer (1 to 8 places): $233
  • Ghent <-> Amsterdam Shuttle Transfer (1 to 8 Seats): $229
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Luxury Van: $166
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Business Car: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent 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
    Ghent $37

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

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

  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $102
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $16
    Ghent $9.26

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 Ghent

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

  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $49
  • Christmas Experience in Ghent - Walking Tour: $491
  • Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $22
  • Experience Christmas in Mons - Walking Tour: $247
  • Exquisite Sites of Ghent - Family Tour: $187
  • Exquisite Sites of Ghent - Family Tour: $384
  • From Brussels: Private Tour of Bruges, Ghent and Flanders: $620
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.26
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $49
  • Ghent Beer and Sightseeing Adventure: $97
  • Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track: $52
  • Ghent City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $35
    Ghent $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Ghent Pub Trail : Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a young local: $245


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Ghent?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Ghent, 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 Ghent?

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 Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Ghent. Additionally, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malmo is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 17°C (62°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. In the summer, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Ghent 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Malmo is cooler than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Malmo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Ghent. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Malmo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Malmo can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Malmo is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malmo in January average around 0°C (32°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Ghent. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In April, Malmo is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 5°C (42°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Ghent. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and Malmo

Malmo Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)