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

Should you visit Malmo or Dresden?

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

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

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.

Dresden

As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden 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 Dresden is $185. 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 Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $55
    Dresden $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $110
    Dresden $144
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Malmo or Dresden? 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 Dresden


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 Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $9.11
    Dresden $12
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:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Private transfer from Prague to Berlin with Meissen Porcelain Manufactory stop: $274
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $143
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $173
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague: $228
  • Prague: Private transfer to Dresden or Dresden to Prague: $257
  • Private transfer to Wroclaw or Wroclaw to Dresden: $280

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden 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
    Dresden $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden

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

  • Historical tour of the old town including a Saxon dinner: $41
  • Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $18
    Dresden $11

Tours and Activities in Malmo

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

  • 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
  • The Headless Horseman in Malmö: A self-guided walking tour game: $8.63
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket: $24
  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Guided Walking Tour in Malmö: $45
  • Malmö Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67

Tours and Activities in Dresden

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

  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden : $60
  • 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $30
  • 2 hours Segway Elbe Mini Tour: $83
  • Behind the Scenes - ManufacTOUR Tour (English Tour): $60
  • Best of Dresden Private Walk Tour with a Professional Guide: $270
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Bicycle tour of Dresden: $35
  • Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $23
  • Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $24
  • Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland All inclusive trip - Hiking Tour: $170
  • Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland All inlusive trip - Fantasy Tour: $170
  • Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip All inclusive-Winter Tour: $170

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $41
    Dresden $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden

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

  • BURLESQUE – "The art of sensual seduction": $58
  • Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Boat Cruise with Wine Tasting and Snacks: $123
  • Private pub crawl with insider guide & free shots: $317


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


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Malmo and Dresden, 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 Dresden?

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 Malmo or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Malmo during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Malmo is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malmo in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Malmo usually gets less rain in July than Dresden. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Dresden. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Malmo is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 10°C (50°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Malmo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Dresden. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. The weather in Malmo can be very cold. Malmo is much colder than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 0°C (32°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Malmo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dresden. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Malmo is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malmo in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Dresden. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Malmo

Malmo Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)