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

Should you visit Phuket or Gothenburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Gothenburg, 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: Phuket or Gothenburg?

Phuket

Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Phuket?

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 Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $145. 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 Phuket and Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phuket $64
    Gothenburg $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phuket $128
    Gothenburg $92
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Gothenburg? 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 Phuket


Hotels in Gothenburg


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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phuket $12
    Gothenburg $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket

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


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    $9.42
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    $7.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:

  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NATAI BEACH: $48
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket HTL-APT (HKT): $28
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket APT-HTL (HKT): $28
  • Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak Hotel : $79
  • TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $35
  • TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to LAGUNA Beach Area (SHA Plus): $29
  • TAXI AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $30
  • Speedboat transfer to island service.: $38
  • Speedboat Racha and Coral Island Transfer and meals from Phuket: $61
  • Simon Cabaret Show Phuket – Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $59
  • Simon Cabaret Show – Phuket’s Glamorous Night Out with Transfers: $67
  • Similan Islands One Day Tour From Phuket Include Lunch & Pickup Transfer: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162

Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Phuket 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
    Phuket $43
    Gothenburg $76
Typical Food Prices in Phuket

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $9.08
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.34
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $13
  • Thai Noodles
    $2.83
  • Bananas
    $0.79
  • Pizza (for Two)
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket

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

  • Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
  • Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
  • Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
  • Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
  • Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
  • Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
  • Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
  • Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
  • Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
  • Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phuket $49
    Gothenburg $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket

Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • One Day Boat Tour
    $28
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    $79
  • Thai Oil Massage
    $20
  • Surfboard Rental
    $9.42

Tours and Activities in Phuket

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

  • 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
  • Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
  • Best of Phi Phi Island Adventure Day Tour with Lunch from Phuket: $50
  • Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
  • Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
  • James Bond Island Adventure Full Day Speedboat/Big Boat Phuket : $63
  • Patong Trolley Tours: $55
  • Phi Phi Islands Premium Speedboat Adventure Day Tour from Phuket: $67
  • Phuket Night Food Walking tour : $106
  • Phuket Scenic Horseback Riding Adventure : $70
  • Phuket Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation: $172
  • Aeolos Catamaran Tour to Coral & Racha Islands + Lunch: $80

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phuket $7.32
    Gothenburg $24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:


  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $6.28
  • Beer
    $2.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket

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

  • Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
  • Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
  • Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
  • Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
  • Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
  • Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172

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


When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Gothenburg, 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. Even though Phuket is in Asia and Gothenburg is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Phuket or Gothenburg?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Gothenburg, 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 Phuket or Gothenburg?

Gothenburg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Gothenburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Gothenburg. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Phuket is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gothenburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the summer, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Gothenburg. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun.

Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Gothenburg. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

Both Gothenburg and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.

In October, Phuket is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Phuket is December to March. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Phuket 27°C (81°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Gothenburg in the Winter?

Both Gothenburg and Phuket during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. Phuket is much warmer than Gothenburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun.

Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Gothenburg. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Gothenburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Gothenburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.

In the spring, Phuket is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Phuket 29°C (84°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Phuket

Phuket Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)