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

Should you visit Malmo or Santiago de Compostela?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo or Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

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, Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela is $97. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $48
    Santiago de Compostela $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $96
    Santiago de Compostela $80
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela


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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $7.88
    Santiago de Compostela $41
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:

  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
  • Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
  • Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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
    Santiago de Compostela $21

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 Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    $3.75
  • Ice Cream
    $2.14
  • Cookie
    $1.07
  • Kebab
    $7.77
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    $29
  • Tuna Empanada
    $3.75
  • Fruit Shake
    $3.75
  • Crepe
    $4.29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $16
    Santiago de Compostela $41

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 Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 5-day Private Tour Northern Spain (from Bilbao or Santiago): $5,294
  • Christmas Enchantment: Walking Tour in Compostela: $459
  • Complete Santiago Tour with tickets- Full experience in 4H: $48
  • Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $59
  • Exploration of Compostela Walking Tour for Families: $352
  • Exploring Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour for Couples: $352
  • Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago: $53
  • From Santiago: Finisterre Lighthouse Sunset Tour: $36
  • From Santiago: Fuciño do Porco Hiking Tour: $80
  • From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour: $59
  • From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip: $61
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from A Coruña- Cruisers Only: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $35
    Santiago de Compostela $24

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    $2.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Santiago de Compostela?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Malmo during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Malmo is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malmo. In the summer, Malmo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Santiago de Compostela. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malmo is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malmo in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Malmo usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Santiago de Compostela. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. In January, Malmo is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 0°C (32°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

Malmo is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Malmo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Malmo

Malmo Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)