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

Should you visit Malmo or Pamplona?

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

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

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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a city in northern Spain located on the snow-capped foothills of the Pyrenees Range. With the backdrop of mountains, the city is surrounded by a setting ideal for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Yet Pamplona itself is a place full of lively culture and stunning architecture. With a long history, the place is embedded in tradition and perhaps most famous for its annual "running of the bulls" celebrated in July, also known as the San Fermin festival.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona 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 Pamplona is $141. 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 Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $48
    Pamplona $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $96
    Pamplona $144
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Pamplona? 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 Pamplona


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 Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $7.88
    Pamplona $26
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 Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona 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
    Pamplona $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 Pamplona

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


  • Lunch for 2
    $11
  • Ice Cream
    $4.82
  • Coffee
    $1.39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $16
    Pamplona $36

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 Pamplona

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

  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $260
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $427
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $283
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $35
    Pamplona $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

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

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Pamplona?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Pamplona. Additionally, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Malmo is cooler than Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. In the summer, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Malmo is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malmo in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Malmo usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Malmo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. In January, Malmo is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 0°C (32°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Pamplona. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city.

Malmo is much colder than Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Malmo

Malmo Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)