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

Should you visit Sintra or Malmo?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Malmo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Sintra or Malmo?

Sintra

Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.

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 Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Sintra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Malmo is €76. 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 Sintra and Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Malmo 45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Malmo 90
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Sintra 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 Sintra


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: Sintra Hotel Prices and Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Malmo 7.39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

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


  • Malmö Bus Card
    17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo and Sintra 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
    Sintra 42
    Malmo 24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.

  • Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Malmo 15

Tours and Activities in Sintra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:

  • E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
  • Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
  • 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
  • 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
  • Amazing Sintra tour: $91
  • Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Malmo 33

Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:

  • Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $60
  • Hiking and Wine Tasting Experience: $71
  • Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
  • Excursion from Lisbon to Setúbal: Nature, Beach and Wine Tasting: $125
  • Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $175
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $235


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Malmo?

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

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 Sintra or Malmo in the Summer?

Both Malmo and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than Malmo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Malmo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Malmo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Malmo. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Malmo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Malmo.

In October, Sintra is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Malmo. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Malmo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Malmo.

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. Sintra is much warmer than Malmo in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Malmo fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun.

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Malmo. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Malmo in the Spring?

Both Malmo and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Sintra is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Malmo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Malmo. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Sintra

Sintra Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)