Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Malmo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Malmo or Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo or Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Malmo Prices
Sweden PricesRotterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalmo $117Rotterdam $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $117, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $222. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalmo $56Rotterdam $95
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalmo $112Rotterdam $190
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Rotterdam? 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.
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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malmo $9.26Rotterdam $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:
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Malmö Bus Card$22
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: $165
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
- Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $132
- Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo: $104
- Malmö City to Kastrup hotel/address - Private Car Transfer: $104
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Rotterdam to Amsterdam Airport(AMS) - Departure Private Transfer: $200
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $83
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $90
- Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $90
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) Private Transfer to Rotterdam/Amsterdam: $35
- Private transfer: Rotterdam>Amsterdam, 2h Stop in De Haar Castle: $274
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $283
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Gouda: $264
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Schiphol Airport: $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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
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Food Meals for one dayMalmo $51Rotterdam $103
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo
For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taysta's Food Tour i Malmö: $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza Cruise: $46
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Iconic Rotterdam Food Tour: 7 Local Dishes with a Guide: $85
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $104
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $104
- Rotterdam Walking Food Tour with 7 Delicious Tastings: $105
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $117
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $130
- Private Food Tour in Rotterdam Taste the Future: $147
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malmo $18Rotterdam $37
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
- Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
- Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Malmö Photography Tour: $66
- Malmo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $44
- Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $24
- Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $71
- Malmo Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $75
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Malmö with Audio Guide: $5.90
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $31
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $195
- All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $224
- Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $71
- Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $164
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Best of small-group walking tour: $23
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $117
- Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $58
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.59
- Cruise Terminal Private Tour by Luxury Van: $346
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalmo $41Rotterdam $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.31
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $26
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $52
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malmo and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malmo or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Malmo or Rotterdam in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Rotterdam. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Malmo is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malmo in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In Malmo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Malmo usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalmo 17°C (62°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Malmo or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Rotterdam. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Malmo is generally around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 10°C (50°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Malmo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Malmo usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalmo 10°C (50°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Malmo or Rotterdam in the Winter?
Both Rotterdam and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Malmo can be very cold during winter. Malmo is much colder than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Malmo usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Malmo usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalmo 0°C (32°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Malmo or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Malmo during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In the spring, Malmo is cooler than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malmo in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Malmo usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalmo 5°C (42°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Malmo
| Malmo | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (35°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.