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

Should you visit Malmo or Lyon?

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

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

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.

Lyon

Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.

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


Which place is cheaper, Lyon 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 Lyon is $134. 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 Lyon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $48
    Lyon $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $96
    Lyon $114
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Lyon

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Lyon? 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 Lyon


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 Lyon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $7.88
    Lyon $18
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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon

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


  • Funiculaire
    $5.57
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Superior Private Transfer From Lyon City to Geneva City: $295
  • Private transfer from or to Lyon train stations - Lyon city by car or luxury van: $46
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $177
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Sedan Car: $97
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $103
  • Private Transfer: Lyon to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS): $124
  • Private Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $103
  • Private Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Business Car: $97
  • Private Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Business Car: $97
  • Private Transfer: (LYS) Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon: $124
  • Private Transfer between Lyon Satolas Airport and Lyon: $86
  • Private Transfer Grenoble Airport GNB - Grenoble Ski Resort: $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Lyon?

Prices for flights to both Lyon 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
    Lyon $44

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 Lyon

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


  • Pastry
    $1.82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

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

  • Street Food Tour: $64
  • Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $64
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $66
  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $76
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $80
  • Cultural Walking Food Tour in the Vieux Lyon District: $86
  • Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
  • Old Town Food Tour: $96
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings and Wine: $102
  • Guided Evening Food Tour: $102
  • Lyon Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $16
    Lyon $22

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 Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $48

Tours and Activities in Lyon

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

  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $27
  • 1-hour tourist walk with guide: $38
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $8.72
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour to Traboules de Croix-Rousse: $8.72
  • Alternative Tour: Murals and Hidden Frescoes of Lyon: $46
  • An unusual city tour with sketches: $64
  • Audio-Guided Tour of the United States Quarter and Painted Walls: $11
  • Audio-guided tour of Old Lyon: $11
  • Audio-guided tour of the Fourvière and the Sacred Hill: $11
  • Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town (9:00 am to 5:15 pm - Small Group Tour Lyon: $136
  • Beaujolais Wines & Castles - Private Tour - Half Day: $268
  • Best Intro Tour of Lyon with a Local: $141

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    $7.29
  • Bottle of Wine
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

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

  • Lyon : Music & Wine tasting tour: $96
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $98
  • Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $98
  • Lyon Music & Wine tasting: $104
  • Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon: $106
  • Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $106
  • From Wine tasting and visits of the Beaujolais: $106
  • Half-Day Côte-Rotie Wine Tasting Tour: $106
  • From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $106
  • Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $108
  • Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $108
  • Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $108


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Lyon, 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 Lyon?

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 Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Lyon. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

Malmo is cooler than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. In the summer, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Lyon 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Lyon in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Malmo is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malmo in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Malmo usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Lyon 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Malmo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Malmo. In January, Malmo is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 0°C (32°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Lyon 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Lyon. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Malmo is much colder than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Malmo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Lyon. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Lyon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lyon and Malmo

Malmo Lyon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)