A Travel Price Comparison for Sweden Stockholm vs. Gothenburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 Adventure Tours to Sweden, The Best Camping Tours in Sweden, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Sweden, and The Best Luxury Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Stockholm?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $180, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $105. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stockholm $103
    Gothenburg $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stockholm $206
    Gothenburg $86
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.

Hotels in Stockholm


Hotels in Gothenburg


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stockholm $22
    Gothenburg $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
  • Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) to Stockholm City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm city centre to Bromma Airport: $89
  • Stockholm Departure Private Transfer to Arlanda ARN Airport by Business Car: $135
  • Stockholm City to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Stockholm City Departure Private Transfer to Stockholm Port by Luxury Car: $144
  • Stockholm Airport (ARN): Transfer to Stockholm city/port: $206
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Bromma Airport BMA: $38
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Hotels to Stockholm Airport: $84
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Port to Stockholm hotels: $42
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm City Hotels to Visby Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Bromma Airport (BMA) to Stockholm Port: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $123
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $156
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $56
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $56
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $111
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $68
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $97
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $16
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $16
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $104
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $66

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Stockholm $38
    Gothenburg $41
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:


  • Breakfast
    $9.83

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: $34
  • Hard Rock Cafe Stockholm Lunch or Dinner: $37
  • Escape Room Game with Dinner and Drinks: $96
  • Food Tour: $106
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $108
  • From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $140
  • Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $144
  • Stockholm Private Food Tour with a Local: Tastiest Treats 100% Personalized: $225

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stockholm $27
    Gothenburg $17

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! : $235
  • 1-Day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour: $192
  • 1-day 7h Royal Palace and Castle Tour from Stockholm: $366
  • 2 Hour Stockholm Metro Tour : $40
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Stockholm: $13
  • 2-day canoe & wild camp adventure in Stockholm Archipelago self guided: $286
  • 2-day kayaking adventure around Vaxholm in Stockholm Archipelago - self guided: $266
  • 3 Hours Guided Shopping Tour in Stockholm Thrifting Stores: $20
  • 3,5h Guided Bike Tour Stockholm (English or German): $49
  • 3-4h Viking History Short Day Tour from Stockholm: $123
  • 3-Hour Private Stockholm Photography Tour of Famous Landmarks : $106
  • 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Stockholm: $65

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • Headless Horseman in Self-Guided Ghost Tour Game: $6.23
  • Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $7.81
  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $22
  • City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $24
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $33
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $33
  • 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $34
  • Historical Walking Tour in Restaurant and Bars in Central City: $35
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stockholm $28
    Gothenburg $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Stockholm's Best Pub Crawl: $17
  • Guided Bar Crawl with VIP Entry: $25
  • Halloween Bar Crawl with VIP Entry: $26
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $294
  • Private Pub Crawl Stockholm With VIP Entry: $394


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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stockholm 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stockholm 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stockholm -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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stockholm 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)