Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Stockholm?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Stockholm or Gothenburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Gothenburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Stockholm or Gothenburg?
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is made up of over 14 islands that are connected by countless bridges. Water is an integral part of the city, but so are parks and gardens. The city is covered in strategically positioned green space. Together, the water and parkland cover more than half of the city's area, giving this bustling city a breath of fresh air.
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 Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Stockholm, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Stockholm.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayStockholm $167Gothenburg $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $167, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $97. 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 Stockholm and Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personStockholm $96Gothenburg $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomStockholm $192Gothenburg $80
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Stockholm 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: Stockholm Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Stockholm $20Gothenburg $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:
- Train Transfer between City and Arlanda Airport: $21
- Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) to Stockholm City - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
- Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm city centre to Bromma Airport: $73
- Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to city centre: $102
- Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to Skavsta airport: $291
- Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to Arlanda airport: $158
- Stockholm Port to Stockholm hotel Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Stockholm Port to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Stockholm Hotels to Nynashamn Cruise Port Private Transfer: $38
- Stockholm Departure Private Transfer to Arlanda ARN Airport by Business Car: $132
- Stockholm City to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $120
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $153
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Stockholm or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Stockholm 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 dayStockholm $36Gothenburg $38
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:
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Breakfast$9.12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.
- Self Guided Taysta Food Tour in Stockholm: $33
- Food Tour: $101
- Stockholm Food Tour: $104
- Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $119
- From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $133
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Stockholm $25Gothenburg $15
Tours and Activities in Stockholm
Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Stockholm Fire and Ice Tour! Dive into Swedish lifestyle! Bike and Sauna: $235
- 1-Day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour: $184
- 1-day 7h Royal Palace and Castle Tour from Stockholm: $348
- 2-Hour Free Walking Tour in Stockholm: $0.92
- 2-day kayaking adventure around Vaxholm in Stockholm Archipelago - self guided: $255
- 3-Hour Private Stockholm Photography Tour of Famous Landmarks : $172
- 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Stockholm: $63
- ABBA Museum Fast-Track Tickets, Stockholm Pop Culture Tour: $280
- Best Stockholm Small Group Bike Tour. English,French or Spanish! : $83
- Best of Stockholm Walking Tour-3 Hours, Small Group max 10: $68
- Bloody Stockholm 2h - ghosts, horror and Dark Folklore Tour: $81
- Bohemian Södermalm Island Walking Tour: $532
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $9.26
- Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
- Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
- Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
- Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
- Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
- Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
- Archipelago cruise with guide: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayStockholm $26Gothenburg $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm
Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Stockholm Pub Crawl: $32
- Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $279
- Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $288
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Gothenburg, we can see that Stockholm 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 Stockholm would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stockholm 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 Stockholm Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Gothenburg?
Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Gothenburg?
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 Stockholm or Gothenburg in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Gothenburg. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Stockholm is a little warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stockholm in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gothenburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stockholm this time of the year. In the summer, Stockholm often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun.
Stockholm usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gothenburg. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyStockholm 18°C (64°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Stockholm or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
Both Gothenburg and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Stockholm is generally around the same temperature as Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 8°C (46°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg during autumn. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberStockholm 8°C (46°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Stockholm or Gothenburg in the Winter?
Both Gothenburg and Stockholm during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. Stockholm can be very cold during winter. Stockholm is much colder than Gothenburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
In the winter, Stockholm often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun.
Stockholm usually gets less rain in January than Gothenburg. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryStockholm -3°C (27°F)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Stockholm or Gothenburg in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Gothenburg. The spring months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Stockholm is around the same temperature as Gothenburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stockholm in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilStockholm 5°C (41°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Stockholm
| Stockholm | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.