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

Should you visit Osaka or Malmo?

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

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

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.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Osaka?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $103, while the average daily cost in Malmo is $117. 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 Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Osaka $44
    Malmo $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Osaka $88
    Malmo $112
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Osaka or Malmo? 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 Osaka


Hotels in Malmo


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 Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Osaka $13
    Malmo $9.26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:


  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $166
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo: $104
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $57
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Malmö City to Kastrup hotel/address - Private Car Transfer: $104
  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Osaka $42
    Malmo $51

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo

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

  • Taysta's Food Tour i Malmö: $33
  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Osaka $19
    Malmo $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • 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 Malmo

For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67
  • Malmo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $44
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $72
  • Malmo Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $75
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Malmö with Audio Guide: $5.92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Osaka $11
    Malmo $41

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 comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Malmo, we can see that Malmo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Osaka is in Asia and Malmo is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Malmo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Osaka or Malmo?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Malmo, 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 Malmo?

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 Malmo in the Summer?

Both Malmo and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Osaka is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Malmo. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Malmo during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Malmo. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Osaka 28°C (82°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Osaka or Malmo in the Autumn?

Both Malmo and Osaka during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

Osaka is much warmer than Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Osaka 19°C (66°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Osaka or Malmo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Malmo. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malmo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Osaka is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Osaka in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives more rain than Malmo. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Osaka 6°C (42°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Osaka or Malmo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Malmo. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Osaka is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Malmo. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Osaka 15°C (59°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Osaka

Osaka Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 204 mm (8 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)