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

Should you visit Albufeira or Malmo?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Malmo? 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: Albufeira or Malmo?

Albufeira

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.

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 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Albufeira?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €183, while the average daily cost in Malmo is €98. 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 Albufeira and Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Malmo 47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Malmo 94
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira 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 Albufeira


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: Albufeira Hotel Prices and Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Malmo 7.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Stork Transfers - Private Transfer From Albufeira to Faro Airport (up to 4 pax): $52
  • Private Transfer to Faro Albufeira Alvor Seville Lisbon and Lagos: $54
  • Private Transfer from Villa Guerreiro (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer from Vilas Guerreiro (Olhos de Água) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer from Vila Real de Santo António to Faro (FAO) Airport: $148
  • Private Transfer from Tunes to Faro (FAO) Airport: $124
  • Private Transfer from Silves to Faro (FAO) Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer from Sao Bartolomeu de Messines to Faro (FAO) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Olhos de Água to Faro (FAO) Airport: $87
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $96
  • Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $125

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:

  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $134
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $57
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $105
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo and Albufeira 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
    Albufeira 82
    Malmo 43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira

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

  • A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $54
  • Portuguese Traditional Dinner and Cocktail Experience: $59
  • Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $71
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise with Open Bar: $73
  • Sunset Beach Safari w/ Champagne & Chicken Piri Piri Dinner: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Malmo 15

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Private Tour in Silves and Coast Gems: $208
  • Paderne Adventure Quad Ride: $45
  • 70 Minutes Guided Old Ruins Walking Tour in Albufeira: $24
  • 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $24
  • Albufeira 1.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $52
  • Albufeira 1.5 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $36
  • Albufeira 3 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $71
  • Albufeira Beach BBQ with Caves and Coastline Cruise with Open Bar: $66
  • Albufeira Coast Tour, Winery & Delicious Chicken lunch: $76
  • Albufeira Food Experience: Land & Sea Tapas w/ Wines: $59
  • Albufeira Kayak Cave Tour – Hidden Beaches & Cliffs: $42
  • Albufeira Kayak Tour – Relaxing Trip with 2 Guides: $38

Tours and Activities in Malmo

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

  • Old Town Helsingborg: Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour: $7.16
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $8.63
  • The Headless Horseman in Malmö: A self-guided walking tour game: $8.63
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket: $24
  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Guided Walking Tour in Malmö: $45
  • Malmö Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Malmo 35

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

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

  • City Highlights & WINE TASTING: $68
  • Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $78
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $78
  • Albufeira/Vilamoura: Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $81
  • Wine Lovers: Winery, Wine Tasting, Chicken Piri Piri & Sights : $82
  • Full day Tour in Silves with Wine Tasting: $167
  • Private Yoga and Wine Tasting Experience from Albufeira: $179


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


Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Malmo?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira 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 Albufeira 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 Albufeira or Malmo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Malmo. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Albufeira is much warmer than Malmo in the summer. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in July than Malmo. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Malmo in the Autumn?

Both Malmo and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Albufeira is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Albufeira in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Malmo averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In October, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Malmo. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Malmo in the Winter?

Both Malmo and Albufeira during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. In January, Albufeira is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 11°C (52°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

Albufeira usually gets more rain in January than Malmo. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Malmo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Malmo. The spring months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Albufeira is much warmer than Malmo in the spring. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In April, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Malmo. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Albufeira

Albufeira Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)