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

Should you visit Malmo or Quepos?

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

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

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.

Quepos

Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Malmo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $115, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $139. 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 Quepos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $55
    Quepos $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $110
    Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Quepos

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Quepos? 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 Quepos


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 Quepos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $9.11
    Quepos $9.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

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


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

Also for Malmo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $167
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $105
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $57
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $134

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos

Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
  • Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $135
  • Puntarenas city to Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO)-Departure Private Transfer : $105
  • Private transfer from Manuel Antonio Quepos to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $269
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
  • Private Transfer: Manuel Antonio Beach: $300
  • Private Transfer from Quepos Port to Liberia Int Airport (LIR): $259
  • Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $209
  • Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Manuel Antonio/Quepos : $289
  • Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to the Sierpe: $213

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Quepos?

Prices for flights to both Quepos 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 $51
    Quepos $51

Typical Food Prices in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
  • Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
  • Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $18
    Quepos $17

Tours and Activities in Malmo

For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Copenhagen and Hamlet Tour: $143
  • Guided Walking Tour in Malmö: $45
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67
  • Malmö Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $72
  • Old Town Helsingborg: Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour: $7.16
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $8.63

Tours and Activities in Quepos

For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $158
  • 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
  • 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos Mangroves – See Monkeys & Sloths: $65
  • ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $93
  • Adventure Sea Kayak and Snorkeling at Manuel Antonio : $80
  • All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $88
  • All Inclusive Nauyaca Waterfalls Adventure: $132
  • All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
  • All-Inclusive Full day Waterfall Adventure: $117
  • All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
  • Birding at El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Private Birding Tour : $120
  • Birdwatching Manuel Antonio/ El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Group Tour : $129

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $41
    Quepos $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malmo and Quepos, we can see that Quepos is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malmo is in Europe and Quepos is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Quepos?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Quepos, 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 Quepos?

Malmo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Malmo or Quepos in the Summer?

Both Quepos and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Malmo is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malmo in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malmo. Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In July, Malmo usually receives less rain than Quepos. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Quepos 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and Malmo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

In October, Malmo is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 10°C (50°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.

Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malmo usually gets less rain in October than Quepos. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Quepos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Quepos. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Malmo in the winter. Malmo is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Malmo usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malmo usually receives more rain than Quepos. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Quepos. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In the spring, Malmo is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malmo in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In the spring, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets more rain in April than Quepos. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Quepos 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Quepos and Malmo

Malmo Quepos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)