Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Osaka?
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 Osaka or Gothenburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka 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: Osaka or Gothenburg?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.
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Osaka Prices
Japan PricesGothenburg Prices
Sweden Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $103Gothenburg $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $103, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $147. 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 Osaka and Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $44Gothenburg $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $88Gothenburg $94
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Osaka 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: Osaka Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $13Gothenburg $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Universal Studios Japan Round Trip Shared Transfer with ticket: $204
- Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Kansai Airport 10-seats van: $141
- Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Kansai Airport: $121
- Transfer from Kansai Airport to Osaka City Hotels: $121
- Terminal-to-City Transfer, from Osaka Cruise Port to Each City: $115
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $218
- Round-Trip Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport to Kobe: $152
- Private departure transfer from central Osaka city to Itami airport (ITM): $96
- Private departure Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $67
- Private arrival Transfer from Osaka Itami Airport(ITM) to central Osaka city: $117
- Private Transfer: Kobe Port Terminal ↔ Osaka: $228
- Private Transfer: Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka City: $102
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: $71
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $169
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $79
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $213
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $107
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $42Gothenburg $78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka Cooking Class 17 Tastes Takoyaki Making: $21
- Osaka Umeda: PICCADILLY DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $32
- Welcome to Osaka Matrix and Local food tour with Ninja Guide: $36
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon: $38
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $41
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $42
- (1 Group Only) Osaka Dotonbori Food Tour Wagyu & Ramen Takoyaki: $45
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $48
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $48
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $48
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $51
- Deep Osaka Night Walking Tour with Optional Dinner: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Osaka $19Gothenburg $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$29
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bus Tour: $59
- 1-Day Kimono/Yukata Experience in Osaka – Enjoy Day & Night: $35
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Osaka - Chartered Tour: $174
- 2 Hours Private Guided Walking Tour in Osaka: $26
- 2-Day Bus Tour to Shirakawago & Hida No Sato Winter Illumination: $223
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $32
- 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable: $205
- 30-Minute Osaka Micro Pig Interaction Experience at Buta Goya: $16
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $70
- 4/5/6 Hours Private Osaka Tour Designed for Cruise Passengers: $153
- 5 Hours Tour with Private Vehicle in Osaka: $256
- 5-Hour Osaka Bike Tour to the Neighborhood of Osaka Castle: $84
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $38
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat: $55
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $47
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $66
- City Kayak Tour: $60
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $38
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $76
- Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $581
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $37
- Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $11Gothenburg $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $33
- 3Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Bar Hopping Nightlife Guided Tour in Namba: $46
- Off The Beaten Path Osaka Local Bar Crawl: $51
- Osaka Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Vineyard Walk: $83
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Gothenburg, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia and Gothenburg is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg than you might in Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Gothenburg?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka or Gothenburg in the Summer?
Both Gothenburg and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Osaka is much warmer than Gothenburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Gothenburg. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Gothenburg during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 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 JulyOsaka 28°C (82°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
Both Gothenburg and Osaka during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Osaka is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 9°C (47°F).
In the autumn, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Gothenburg. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 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 OctoberOsaka 19°C (66°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Gothenburg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Gothenburg. The winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. In January, Osaka is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 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 JanuaryOsaka 6°C (42°F)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Gothenburg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Gothenburg. The activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
Osaka is much warmer than Gothenburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the spring, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Gothenburg. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 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 AprilOsaka 15°C (59°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Osaka
| Osaka | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.