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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Zadar? 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 Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Gothenburg?

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 Gothenburg is $145, while the average daily cost in Zadar is $129. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $46
    Zadar $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $92
    Zadar $120
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $21
    Zadar $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Zrmanja River Kayaking, with optional transfer from Zadar: $66
  • Private Transfers to Airports & Top Destinations: $72
  • Zadar Private Transfers to or from any location: $80
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $262
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $69
  • Transfer From Zadar Airport to Town Zadar: $67
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $295
  • Private Transfer: Zadar (Airport) to/from Biograd na moru or Crvena Luka Resort: $106
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Zagreb with 2h of Sightseeing: $237
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Split, Hotel-to-Hotel: $165
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Split with 2 hours for sightseeing: $244
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

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

  • Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
  • Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Zadar $23

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 Zadar

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

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $65
  • Private Sunset tour with Antares Sailing : $107
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
  • Zadar Boat Tour Half Day: $42
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $181
  • 2 Hour Quad Buggy ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $116
  • 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
  • 3 Islands Luxury Boat Tour with Aperol Spritz: $33
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
  • Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling: $38
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $238
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $24
    Zadar $14

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 Zadar

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

  • Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
  • Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
  • City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
  • City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107


When comparing the travel costs between Gothenburg and Zadar, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Zadar?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Zadar. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Gothenburg is much colder than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Zadar 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 Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Zadar. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Zadar. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)