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

Should you visit Tartu or Malmo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Malmo 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: Tartu or Malmo?

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Tartu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €105, 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 Tartu and Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Malmo 45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Malmo 90
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Tartu 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 Tartu


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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Malmo 7.39

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:

  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $127
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
  • Private Transfer from Malmo City to Fredericia Cruise Port: $96
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $54
  • Malmö City to Kastrup hotel/address - Private Car Transfer: $46
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo and Tartu 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
    Tartu 37
    Malmo 24
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Malmo 15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $27
  • Charming Viljandi Walking Tour for Couples: $141
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Walking Tour: $127
  • Spectacular Christmas Walking Tour in Viljandi: $199
  • European Capital of Culture 2024 - Cycling Tour: $14
  • Traditional Christmas Walking Tour in Tartu: $233

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: $21
  • Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
  • Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.27
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $58
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.27
  • Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Malmo 33


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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Malmo?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu 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 Tartu or Malmo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Malmo. Most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tartu is generally around the same temperature as Malmo. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Malmo. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Malmo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Malmo. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tartu is much colder than Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Malmo in the Winter?

Both Malmo and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Malmo. It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).

Tartu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Malmo. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Malmo in the Spring?

Both Malmo and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In April, Tartu is generally cooler than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Malmo. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Tartu

Tartu Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)