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

Should you visit Lisbon or Malmo?

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

Should I visit Lisbon 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: Lisbon or Malmo?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

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


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Lisbon?

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 Lisbon is €167, 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 Lisbon and Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon 63
    Malmo 47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 126
    Malmo 94
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon 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 Lisbon


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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon 25
    Malmo 7.76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

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

  • lisbon private luxury transfer to or from lisbon airport: $71
  • VIP transfer from the airport to Lisbon hotels: $42
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lisbon APT-HTL (LIS): $36
  • Transfers in Lisbon Center To and from the Airport : $48
  • Transfers from Lisbon airport and to Lisbon Airport: $179
  • Transfers and Tours safely and comfortably aboard a Tesla M3: $42
  • Transfer: To/From Airport to where you want in Lisbon: $53
  • Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley from Lisbon: $763
  • Transfer to Setubal (not Troia or Comporta) from Lisbon: $60
  • Transfer to Porto Covo from Lisbon: $277
  • Transfer to Peniche /Amoreira / Baleal from Lisbon: $243
  • Transfer to Nazaré from Lisbon: $256

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:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo and Lisbon 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
    Lisbon 73
    Malmo 43
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

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

  • Pizza Cruise on a Luxury Boat with Open Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Sunset DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Exclusive Sunset Cruise – Pizza, Open Bar & Dolphins: $29
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $32
  • Lisbon Sunset DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $35
  • Traditional Walking Food Tour: $50
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $57
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $58
  • Lisbon Sangria – Exclusive Luxury Cruise with Pizza & Music: $59
  • Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks: $59
  • Pizza Cruise on a Luxury Boat with Open Bar: $60
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Malmo 15

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

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

  • Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $173
  • 2 Hours Surf Lesson Experience in Costa da Caprica: $42
  • Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $215
  • Expert Guided Walking Tour of Belém with Stunning view & History: $191
  • Fatima, Batalha, Nazare, Obidos Small Group Tour From Lisbon: $90
  • Guided Tour to Sintra with 4 Monuments Visit, Private Full Day: $263
  • Lisbon Essential Walking Tour: History, Stories and Lifestyle: $30
  • Private Sailing Experience: $179
  • Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Coast with Tickets from Lisbon: $76
  • Tour of Groutes Mira de Aire + Battle Monastery: $179
  • from Sintra half-day sightseeing tour: $215
  • Évora Tour: $179

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
    Lisbon 18
    Malmo 35

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

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

  • Lisbon Port Wine Tasting at Taylors Shop and Tasting Room: $19
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots & VIP Club Entry: $23
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar (Premium Upgrade Available): $23
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: Unlimited Drinks, Shots & V.I.P Club Entry: $23
  • Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $24
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting: $25
  • Guided Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif: $28
  • Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif at Portuguese Wine Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Wine Tasting: $29
  • Catamaran Luxury Sunset and Wine Tour: $42


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


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Malmo?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Malmo in the Summer?

Both Malmo and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Malmo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Malmo. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Malmo in the Autumn?

Both Malmo and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lisbon is much warmer than Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Malmo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Malmo. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Malmo. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Malmo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Malmo. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Malmo. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Lisbon

Lisbon Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)