Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marbella or Gothenburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Gothenburg, 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: Marbella or Gothenburg?
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €117Gothenburg €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is €91. 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 Marbella and Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Gothenburg €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Gothenburg €74
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Gothenburg? 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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Gothenburg €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Fuengirola or Marbella: $21
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $104
- Private Transfer from Vélez-Málaga to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torrox Costa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torre del Mar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Mezquitilla to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $127
- Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
- Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $145
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $145
- Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
- Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Marbella 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 dayMarbella €38Gothenburg €36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Gothenburg €14
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
- Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
- Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
- Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $49
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
- E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Days Private Tour in Gothenburg: $300
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
- After Dark in A Guided Nightlife Tour: $263
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $113
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
- Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
- Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $918
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
- Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
- Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $113
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Gothenburg €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Gothenburg, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella than you might in Gothenburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Gothenburg?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Gothenburg, 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 Marbella or Gothenburg?
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 Marbella or Gothenburg in the Summer?
Both Gothenburg and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Marbella is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Gothenburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarbella 25°C (77°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
Both Gothenburg and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Marbella is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Gothenburg. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Gothenburg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Gothenburg. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. Marbella is much warmer than Gothenburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Gothenburg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Gothenburg. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
In the spring, Marbella is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 5°C (41°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gothenburg. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Marbella
| Marbella | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 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.