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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

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 in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Gothenburg?

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

  • Gothenburg Prices
    Sweden Prices
    Santiago de Compostela Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gothenburg $145
    Santiago de Compostela $123

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $145, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is $123. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $46
    Santiago de Compostela $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $92
    Santiago de Compostela $86
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Gothenburg


Hotels in Santiago de Compostela


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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $21
    Santiago de Compostela $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $102
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $56
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $68
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $68
  • Private Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto with Tour: $209
  • Private Transfer from Santiago city hotels to La Coruna Port : $156
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $66
  • Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Gothenburg $76
    Santiago de Compostela $39

Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    $4.11
  • Ice Cream
    $2.35
  • Cookie
    $1.17
  • Kebab
    $8.51
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    $32
  • Tuna Empanada
    $4.11
  • Fruit Shake
    $4.11
  • Crepe
    $4.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago de Compostela

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago de Compostela.

  • Santiago Food Tour Tapas Drinks and Delights with a Local: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Santiago de Compostela $45

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • Private Self Guided Tour in Gothenburg: $3.58
  • Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
  • Headless Horseman in Self-Guided Ghost Tour Game: $8.63
  • Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $15
  • Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
  • Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
  • World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $19
  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $24
  • Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $25
  • City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $28
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $36

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Day Tour to the Vigo Christmas Lights from Santiago de Compostela: $54
  • Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $65
  • Finisterre and Costa da Morte: The Most Complete Tour of Santiago: $58
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from Vigo- Cruisers Only: $82
  • Guided Tour Cathedral tickets included with Optional Portico: $24
  • Guided Tour Santiago Cathedral, Museum and Old City: $31
  • Guided Tour of the Old Town with an Official Guide: $14
  • Guided tour of Bodegas Granbazán: $22
  • Land of Legends and Meigas Tour: $14
  • Private Gastronomical Tour in Santiago de Compostela: $286
  • Private Walking Tour in Santiago with Beer or Wine: $66
  • Private tour Santiago de Compostela with tickets: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $24
    Santiago de Compostela $26

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    $2.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Gothenburg or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Gothenburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In July, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gothenburg. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Santiago de Compostela. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Gothenburg is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Santiago de Compostela. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gothenburg. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)