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

Should you visit Glasgow or Malmo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Malmo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Glasgow or Malmo?

Glasgow

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.

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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Glasgow?

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

  • Glasgow Prices
    UK Prices
    Malmo Prices
    Sweden Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Glasgow £177
    Malmo £85

The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £177, while the average daily cost in Malmo is £85. 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 Glasgow and Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glasgow £74
    Malmo £41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glasgow £148
    Malmo £82
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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 Glasgow


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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glasgow £27
    Malmo £6.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

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

  • Private Transfer: Heathrow to/from Glasgow University: $835
  • Private Transfer from Greenock Cruise Port to Glasgow city hotels: $217
  • Private Transfer from Glasgow Hotels to South Queensferry Port: $109
  • Private Glasgow Transfer from Accommodation to Glasgow Airport: $29
  • Private Airport Transfer from and to Glasgow : $131
  • Prestwick Airport (PIK) to Glasgow - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
  • Luxury Private Transfer : $136
  • Private Airport Transfer XL (To/From City Centre): $106
  • Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $15
  • Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $80
  • Glasgow to Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $260

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

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


  • Malmö Bus Card
    £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo and Glasgow 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
    Glasgow £78
    Malmo £38
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

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


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    £1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Food Tour with Drinks: $121
  • Guided Secret Food Tour: $129
  • Glasgow West End Food Tour: 7 Tastings, Scotch & Local Stories: $130
  • Merchant City Food Tour (city centre): $143
  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour: Explore Merchant City: $144
  • Glasgow Food Tour: The Orginal West End Walking Food Tour: $149
  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Glasgow £22
    Malmo £13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow

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


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    £12
  • Two Bike Rental
    £34

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

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

  • Mountains, Glens and The Loch Ness Monster Day Tour: $96
  • Guided Running Tour of Glasgow: $34
  • Ibrox Stadium Glasgow Soccer Ticket Pass: $130
  • 2 Hour Football Walking Tour in Glasgow : $27
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $295
  • A Wee Walk and a Whisky: Unique Glasgow Walking Tour (5pm): $82
  • Amazing Ebike Tour of Glasgow: $123
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $60
  • City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $27
  • Culzean Castle & Burns Country Tour from Glasgow Incl Admission: $134
  • Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,145

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: $25
  • Copenhagen and Hamlet Tour: $143
  • Guided Walking Tour in Malmö: $45
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67
  • Malmö Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $72
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Glasgow £15
    Malmo £30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:


  • Bottle of Wine
    £12
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    £3.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $26
  • Jackton Distillery: Tour & Tasting: $46
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $51
  • Scottish Rogue Whisky Pub Crawl: $83
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $88
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $89
  • Irish Legacy and St Mungo's Brewery Tour: $106
  • Scottish Rogue Distillery Experience with Tasting: $122
  • Glasgow Whisky Distillery Shared Tour: $130
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $148
  • Group Tour on Ebike and Local Distillery!: $175
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $225


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


Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Malmo?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Malmo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Malmo. The summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Glasgow is generally cooler than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Malmo during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Malmo. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Malmo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Malmo. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

Glasgow is around the same temperature as Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Malmo in the Winter?

Both Malmo and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malmo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Glasgow. In the winter, Glasgow is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).

Glasgow usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Malmo. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Glasgow 3°C (38°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Malmo in the Spring?

Both Malmo and Glasgow during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Glasgow is generally a little warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Malmo. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Glasgow 7°C (45°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Glasgow

Glasgow Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)