A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Gothenburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit York or Gothenburg?

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

Should I visit York or Gothenburg? 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: York or Gothenburg?

York

York, in North Yorkshire, England, is a city rich in history that dates back to before Roman times. It is an ancient cathedral city that still has some impressive historical buildings that make it easily worth a visit. It has some of the best preserved buildings and structures in all of Europe, so if you're a history buff, then this is the place to be. It is usually tied with Manchester as the second most visited city in England, after London.

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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or York?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is £78. 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 York and Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Gothenburg £32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Gothenburg £64
Compare Hotels in York and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in York 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 York


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: York Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Gothenburg £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and York 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
    York £32
    Gothenburg £31
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

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

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Gothenburg £12

Tours and Activities in York

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

  • All Creatures Great & Small tour from York: $100
  • Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise: $19
  • Castle Howard Entrance Ticket: $32
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
  • Clueniveristy of Magic!! Immersive Adventure in York City: $24
  • Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour: $25
  • Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.: $61
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $18
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • Early Evening Boat Cruise through York: $18
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $30
  • From Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • 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
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Gothenburg £16
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57


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


Which is Bigger, York or Gothenburg?

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

Both Gothenburg and York during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, York is generally around the same temperature as Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Gothenburg. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Gothenburg. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit York or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Gothenburg. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year.

York is a little warmer than Gothenburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit York or Gothenburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Gothenburg. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. In the winter, York is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Gothenburg averages at about -2°C (29°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Gothenburg. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit York or Gothenburg in the Spring?

Both Gothenburg and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, York is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Gothenburg during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and York

York Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)