Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Malmo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Malmo or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo or San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?
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.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalmo $81San Sebastian $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $81, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is $96. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalmo $48San Sebastian $43
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalmo $96San Sebastian $86
Compare Hotels in Malmo and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Malmo or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malmo $7.88San Sebastian $15
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 San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
- Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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 dayMalmo $25San Sebastian $33
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 San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Dinner for 2$59
-
Lunch for 2$11
-
Lunch for 2$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
- Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
- Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
- Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
- I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
- Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
- History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malmo $16San Sebastian $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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Valle de los Caídos Monument$6.43
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- Biarritz & La Côte Basque Private tour: $246
- Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $86
- Bilbao city and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $164
- Chef-Led Market Tour & Pintxo Lunch: $163
- Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián : $272
- Cider House Experience From San Sebastian: $120
- City tour, bike ride: $45
- City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
- Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $186
- Electric scooter city tour: $45
- Evening Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Discover San Sebastian: $191
- Exclusive Private Pintxos Adventure with Premium Spanish Wines": $175
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalmo $35San Sebastian $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
- Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
- Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
- Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malmo and San Sebastian, we can see that San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malmo or San Sebastian?
Malmo has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?
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 San Sebastian in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Malmo as well as San Sebastian. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
Malmo is cooler than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. In the summer, Malmo often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.
Malmo usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalmo 17°C (62°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Malmo or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
Both San Sebastian and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Malmo is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malmo in October average around 10°C (50°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Malmo usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalmo 10°C (50°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Malmo or San Sebastian in the Winter?
Both San Sebastian and Malmo during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Malmo. In January, Malmo is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 0°C (32°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malmo usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalmo 0°C (32°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Malmo or San Sebastian in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and San Sebastian. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches during these months.
Malmo is much colder than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Malmo usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.
San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalmo 5°C (42°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Malmo
| Malmo | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.