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

Should you visit Malmo or Bruges?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo or Bruges, 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: Malmo or Bruges?

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.

Bruges

Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Bruges or Malmo?

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 Malmo is $115, while the average daily cost in Bruges is $189. 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 Malmo and Bruges in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $55
    Bruges $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $110
    Bruges $138
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Bruges

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Bruges? 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 Malmo


Hotels in Bruges


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: Malmo Hotel Prices and Bruges Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $9.11
    Bruges $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

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


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $21

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges

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


  • Five Day Bus Pass
    $18
  • Bike Rental for Day
    $9.39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges

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

  • PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $240
  • Private transfer from Bruges to Lille, English-speaking driver: $150
  • Private transfer from Bruges to Brussels, 2h Stop in Ghent: $216
  • Private direct transfer from Cruise Port Zeebrugge to Brussels: $192
  • Private direct transfer from Bruges to The Hague: $293
  • Private direct transfer from Bruges to Brussels: $154
  • Private direct transfer from Bruges to Amsterdam: $262
  • Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $239
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels: $75
  • Private Transfer from Ostend Bruges Airport OST to Zeebrugge Port: $240
  • Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $75
  • Ostend Bruges Airport (OST) to Bruges - Arrival Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Bruges?

Prices for flights to both Bruges and Malmo 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
    Malmo $51
    Bruges $105

Typical Food Prices in Bruges

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


  • Cup of Tea
    $2.35
  • Sandwich for Lunch
    $3.81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges

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

  • The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $161
  • Bruges Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $165
  • Bruges Food Tour: 8 Tastings of Local Delicacies: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $18
    Bruges $18

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges

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


  • Groeninge Museum Entrance
    $9.39

Tours and Activities in Bruges

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

  • "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour - 2hr open city tour & workshop: $83
  • "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour - 3hr private city tour & workshop: $298
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included: $3.59
  • 6 Hour Bruges Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $81
  • Authentic Medieval Bruges Private Tour with Local Guide: $96
  • BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $54
  • Best Bruges Cruise-Friendly Tour including Canal Boat Ride: $65
  • Best Bruges Shore Excursion from Your Ship with Canal Cruise : $75
  • Best Bruges Shore Excursion including Deluxe Canal Cruise: $79
  • Best of History, Chocolate & Beer Tour: $66
  • BikeTour Bruges & Damme in Spanish and English: $143
  • Breathtaking Bruges - Private Walking Tour: $228

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $41
    Bruges $13


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Bruges?

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

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 Malmo or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Bruges. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malmo is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malmo in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In Malmo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malmo usually receives less rain than Bruges. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Bruges 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Bruges. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Malmo is generally cooler than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 10°C (50°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Malmo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Bruges 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bruges can be very cold. Malmo can be very cold during winter. Malmo is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Malmo usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during winter. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malmo usually receives less rain than Bruges. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Malmo or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Malmo during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In the spring, Malmo is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malmo in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in April than Bruges. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Bruges 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Bruges and Malmo

Malmo Bruges
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)