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

Should you visit Malmo or Hamburg?

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

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

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.

Hamburg

Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.

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 Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg 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 Hamburg is $125. 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 Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $48
    Hamburg $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $96
    Hamburg $116
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg


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 Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $7.88
    Hamburg $31
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 Hamburg

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


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    $1.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83
  • Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $209
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $267
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $262
  • Private transfer from Fuhlsbüttel Airport to Hamburg City Center: $114
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $271
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $234
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Hotels to Bremerhaven Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg City Hotels: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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
    Hamburg $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

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

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


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    $16
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    $5.36
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    $6.43
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    $16
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    $4.29
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    $6.43
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    $3.75
  • Coffee and Donut
    $4.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

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

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $16
    Hamburg $42

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 Hamburg

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


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    $3.75

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

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

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $69
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $181
  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $75
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

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

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Malmo during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malmo is around the same temperature as Hamburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malmo in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Hamburg averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malmo. In the summer, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Malmo or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Hamburg. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In October, Malmo is generally around the same temperature as Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 10°C (50°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Malmo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Hamburg in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Malmo in the winter. Malmo is cooler than Hamburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malmo is cooler than Hamburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malmo in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Hamburg averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Malmo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Malmo

Malmo Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)