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

Should you visit Malmo or Zadar?

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

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

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.

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 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 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 Malmo and Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $55
    Zadar $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $110
    Zadar $120
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Malmo 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 Malmo


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: Malmo Hotel Prices and Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $9.11
    Zadar $11
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:

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

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 Malmo or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    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.
    Malmo $18
    Zadar $23

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 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
    Malmo $41
    Zadar $14

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 Malmo and Zadar, we can see that Zadar 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 Malmo Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Zadar?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Malmo 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 Malmo 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 Malmo or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Zadar. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Malmo is much colder than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, 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 Malmo this time of the year. In the summer, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malmo is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malmo in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Malmo usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Zadar. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Malmo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. In January, Malmo is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 0°C (32°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malmo 0°C (32°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Zadar. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Malmo is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Malmo usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Zadar. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malmo 5°C (42°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Malmo

Malmo Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)