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

Should you visit Malmo or Oslo?

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

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

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo is $136. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $48
    Oslo $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $96
    Oslo $162
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $7.88
    Oslo $23
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 Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $6.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim- Round-Trip Transfer: $81
  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $40
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $214
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $228
  • Private Transfer:Oslo Gardermoen Airport(OSL) to Oslo City Center: $70
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL): $89
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo Cruise Port: $89
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo City Centre: $153
  • Private Transfer Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hemsedal: $295
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $83
  • Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $255
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo city centre to Oslo airport: $204

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
    Oslo $30

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 Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $16
    Oslo $19

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 Oslo

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

  • 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo: $94
  • 2-Hour Private Tour in Oslo, Norway: $197
  • 2.hr Oslo Kayak Tour “Fjord City”: $91
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $214
  • 3- Hour Kayak Tour on the Oslofjord: $108
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $48
  • 4 hours Winter View of the Oslofjord Walk Tour : $148
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
  • Akerselva River Kayak Tour; An Urban Paddling Adventure: $91
  • Akerselva River Tour : $94
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Authentic Oslo bike tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $35
    Oslo $11


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

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

In July, Malmo is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 17°C (62°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. In the summer, Malmo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Oslo in the Autumn?

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

Malmo is a little warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Oslo. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Oslo in the Winter?

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

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Malmo. In the winter, Malmo is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malmo in January average around 0°C (32°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Oslo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Malmo is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 5°C (42°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Malmo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Oslo. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Malmo

Malmo Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)