Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Gothenburg or Budapest?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg or Budapest? 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: Gothenburg or Budapest?
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.
Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest.
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Gothenburg Prices
Sweden PricesBudapest Prices
Hungary Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $145Budapest $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $145, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $122. 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 Gothenburg and Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $46Budapest $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $92Budapest $116
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Budapest
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Budapest? 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.
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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $21Budapest $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride$7.67
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Metro Pass$4.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vienna: Private transfer to Budapest or Budapest to Vienna: $317
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,163
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Budapest (hotel OR airport pick-up): $109
- Private Transfer in Budapest: $102
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing: $257
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Liszt Ferenc Airport: $87
- Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest by Car or Van: $40
- Private Scenic Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 4h of Sightseeing: $293
- Private One Way Transfer from Budapest to Budapest Int Airport: $56
- Private Budapest Airport ROUND-TRIP Transfer (Luxury Vehicle): $100
- Private Budapest - Vienna transfer with an optional 2 hours stop in Bratislava: $299
- Private Airport Transfer from Budapest Airport to Budapest City: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest and Gothenburg 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
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Food Meals for one dayGothenburg $76Budapest $44
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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Lunch$3.74
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner and Live Hungarian Music: $1.51
- Central Market Hall Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $15
- Hungarian Folk Dance & Concert with Dinner Option: $22
- Budapest Pizza Cruise: $38
- Catamaran Pizza Cruise: $41
- Sir Lancelot Medieval Dinner with Drink and Show: $47
- Budapest on a Budget: Guided Street Food Tour w/ Sweet Wine: $52
- Food Tour Market to Tavern: 14+ Tasters & Wines: $68
- Guided Food Tour with Wine, Beer, and Shots: $69
- Folklore Revue Dinner Show with Unlimited Drinks: $73
- Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $74
- Budapest Food Tour: Market to Tavern with 14+ Tasters & Wines: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $18Budapest $24
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $48
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $66
- City Kayak Tour: $53
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $48
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
- Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $131
- Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $586
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
- Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $123
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to the Baths for Two$7.52
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- City Segway Tours Budapest ( Buda + Pest ) : $48
- UNESCO World Heritage Hollókő and Eger Private Tour: $270
- 1.5 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - To The Castle Area : $47
- 101 things in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Metro Pass: $203
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $48
- 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $239
- 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $76
- 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $102
- 3 Hours Private Guided Tour In Budapest: $176
- 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest: $41
- 4 hour The Treasures of Budapest Private Walking Tour: $147
- 7 hour Budapest walking tour: $223
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $24Budapest $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Gothenburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gothenburg:
- Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle: $66
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $12
- Budapest Pub Crawl & Ruin Bar Tour – Free Shots & VIP Entry: $13
- Budapest Pub Crawl & Ruin Bar Tour – Free Shots & VIP Entry: $20
- Guided Pub Tour to Ruin Bars with Games & 6 Shots: $23
- New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl + 1 Hour Open Bar: $24
- Budapest Pub Tour +6 free Shots +VIP Access +Drinking Games : $24
- The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $24
- Brewery Tour at "First Craft Beer" & Beer Tasting: $26
- Private, Personalized Pub Crawl, 3 drinks included: $29
- Pub Crawl Budapest with Challenges and Free Shots: $30
- Hungarian pálinka distillery visit and tasting: $36
- PRIVATE Budapest by Nights: GUIDED tour whit WINE tasting: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Budapest, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg than you might in Budapest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Budapest?
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Budapest, 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 Gothenburg or Budapest?
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 Gothenburg or Budapest in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Budapest. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Budapest. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Budapest 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Budapest in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Budapest. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Gothenburg is cooler than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Budapest in the Winter?
Both Budapest and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Budapest can be very cold during winter. Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).
Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Budapest. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Budapest -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Budapest in the Spring?
Both Budapest and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.
Gothenburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Budapest. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Budapest and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Budapest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.