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

Should you visit Zermatt or Malmo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Malmo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zermatt or Malmo?

Zermatt

Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss village best known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities. It has become a popular mountain resort town due to its location and also features a number of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the vacationers who come to enjoy the many winter activities of the Alps.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Zermatt?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zermatt is $223, while the average daily cost in Malmo is $81. 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 Zermatt and Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zermatt $126
    Malmo $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zermatt $252
    Malmo $96
Compare Hotels in Zermatt and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Zermatt 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 Zermatt


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: Zermatt Hotel Prices and Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zermatt $53
    Malmo $7.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:

  • Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
  • Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
  • Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
  • Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
  • 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

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


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $18

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 Zermatt or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo and Zermatt 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
    Zermatt $57
    Malmo $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zermatt

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

  • Evening Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $119

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.
    Zermatt $56
    Malmo $16

Tours and Activities in Zermatt

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

  • Basel Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $885
  • Basel: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $1,067
  • Bern Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $856
  • Bern Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
  • Bern: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $984
  • From Basel: Zermatt and Mt. Gornergrat Small Group Tour: $530
  • From Bern: Zermatt Guided Tour with Matterhorn Railway Pass: $530
  • From Zurich: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise Private Tour: $885
  • Interlaken Private Tour to Gornergrat & Matterhorn Paradise: $1,026
  • Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $843
  • Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
  • Majestic Hiking Private Tour in Zermatt with pick up: $1,692

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
    Zermatt $28
    Malmo $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Zermatt

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:

  • Wine Tasting in Valais: $84


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


Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Malmo?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Malmo in the Summer?

Both Malmo and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

In the summer, Zermatt is a little warmer than Malmo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zermatt 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 Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Malmo. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Zermatt or Malmo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Malmo. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 15°C (58°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Malmo. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zermatt 15°C (58°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Zermatt or Malmo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Malmo. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malmo can be very cold during winter. Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. Zermatt is much warmer than Malmo in the winter. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Malmo fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Malmo. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zermatt 5°C (41°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Zermatt or Malmo in the Spring?

Both Malmo and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Zermatt is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zermatt in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Malmo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Malmo. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zermatt 13°C (55°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Zermatt

Zermatt Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)