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

Should you visit Malmo or Tromso?

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

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

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.

Tromso

The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso is $112. 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 Tromso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $48
    Tromso $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $96
    Tromso $110
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Tromso

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Tromso? 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 Tromso


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 Tromso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $7.88
    Tromso $29
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
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
  • Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

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

  • Private Airport and City Transfer in Tromso: $82
  • Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Tromso?

Prices for flights to both Tromso 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
    Tromso $38

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

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

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $167
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $173
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $186
  • Fjord Cruise Expedition with Dinner,Tromso: $206
  • Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner: $250
  • Aurora Borealis Cruise with Dinner in Tromso: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $16
    Tromso $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: $21
  • Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
  • Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.35
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $58
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.35

Tours and Activities in Tromso

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.

  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $74
  • Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran : $135
  • Arctic Landscapes Hiking Tour - Sightseeing & Snowshoeing, Tromsø: $164
  • Arctic Nature Photography Sightseeing Tour from Tromso: $131
  • Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus: $131
  • Arctic Wildlife and Fjord Sightseeing: $206
  • Aurora Adventure Tour with Creative Vacations: $224
  • Aurora Cuisine Cruise: $158
  • Aurora Hunt Tour with Citizen Science from Tromso - Professional Photos Included: $243
  • Brews and Views City Walking Tour in Tromsø with Beer Tasting: $167
  • Discovery tour of the island of Senja and Kvaløya from Tromsø: $262
  • Exclusive Reindeers Experience in small groups, Tromso: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $35
    Tromso $8.36


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Tromso?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Tromso. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malmo is a little warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malmo in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tromso this time of the year. In Malmo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malmo usually receives less rain than Tromso. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Tromso 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Tromso in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Tromso. Additionally, many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Malmo is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 10°C (50°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tromso. Malmo usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Tromso 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during winter. Malmo can get quite cold in the winter. Malmo is much warmer than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malmo usually receives less rain than Tromso. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Tromso -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Tromso in the Spring?

Both Tromso and Malmo during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In the spring, Malmo is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malmo in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Tromso 1°C (33°F)

Typical Weather for Tromso and Malmo

Malmo Tromso
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) -4°C (25°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) -4°C (25°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) -1°C (31°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) -3°C (27°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)