Wondering if Gothenburg is expensive to visit? As Sweden’s second-largest city, Gothenburg balances Scandinavian charm with modern amenities – but how does it fare on the affordability scale? This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to spend in Gothenburg, from accommodations and transportation to food and attractions.
Is Gothenburg expensive? While Gothenburg is generally less expensive than Stockholm, it remains pricier than many other European destinations. A typical traveler should budget around 1,200-1,800 SEK ($110-165) per day, including mid-range accommodation, meals, transportation, and attractions. However, with strategic planning and our insider tips, you can enjoy this beautiful Swedish city without breaking the bank.
- Quick Facts About Gothenburg Expenses
- How Expensive is Gothenburg? Cost Breakdown
- Is Gothenburg Expensive for Tourists? Budget Comparison
- Seasonal Price Variations: When is Gothenburg Most Expensive?
- Practical Money-Saving Tips for Gothenburg
- Is Gothenburg Expensive to Visit? The Verdict
- Where to Store Your Luggage in Gothenburg
- Final Thoughts: Is Gothenburg Worth the Cost?
- Related articles:
Quick Facts About Gothenburg Expenses
- Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 10.9 SEK (as of April 2025)
- Average daily budget: 1,200-1,800 SEK ($110-165) for mid-range travelers
- Budget travelers: Can manage on 700-1,000 SEK ($65-92) per day
- Luxury experience: 3,000+ SEK ($275+) per day
- Tipping: Not required but appreciated (service usually included)
- Tax: 25% VAT included in most prices
How Expensive is Gothenburg? Cost Breakdown
To determine if Gothenburg is expensive for your travel style, let’s analyze costs across key categories:
Accommodation Costs in Gothenburg
Accommodation will likely be your largest expense when visiting Gothenburg. Prices vary significantly based on location, amenities, and season.
| Accommodation Type | Price Range (SEK) | Price Range (USD) |
| Hostel (dorm bed) | 250-400 SEK | $23-37 |
| Budget hotel | 700-1,000 SEK | $64-92 |
| Mid-range hotel | 1,000-1,600 SEK | $92-147 |
| Luxury hotel | 2,000+ SEK | $183+ |
| Airbnb (entire place) | 800-2,500 SEK | $73-229 |
Money-saving tip: Consider staying slightly outside the city center in neighborhoods like Majorna or Linnéstaden. These areas offer more affordable accommodation while still providing easy access to attractions via public transportation.
Transportation Costs
Gothenburg’s efficient public transportation system makes getting around relatively straightforward and affordable.
| Transportation Option | Price (SEK) | Price (USD) |
| Single transit ticket (valid 90 min) | 35 SEK | $3.20 |
| 24-hour pass | 95 SEK | $8.70 |
| 72-hour pass | 210 SEK | $19.30 |
| Gothenburg Card (incl. attractions & transport, 24h) | 445 SEK | $40.80 |
| Taxi (airport to city center) | 350-450 SEK | $32-41 |
| Bike rental (per day) | 150-250 SEK | $14-23 |
Money-saving tip: The Gothenburg Card can be excellent value if you plan to visit multiple attractions. It includes free public transportation and entry to most major attractions.
Food and Dining Costs
Is Gothenburg expensive for food? While dining out can be costly, there are options for every budget.
| Meal Type | Price Range (SEK) | Price Range (USD) |
| Fast food meal | 90-120 SEK | $8.25-11 |
| Lunch special (“Dagens lunch”) | 110-150 SEK | $10-14 |
| Mid-range restaurant (main course) | 180-280 SEK | $16.50-26 |
| Upscale restaurant (main course) | 300-500+ SEK | $27.50-46+ |
| Beer (0.5L, restaurant) | 65-90 SEK | $6-8.25 |
| Coffee | 35-45 SEK | $3.20-4.10 |
| Grocery shopping (daily for one person) | 120-200 SEK | $11-18.30 |
Money-saving tip: Look for restaurants offering “Dagens lunch” (lunch of the day) specials, typically available Monday-Friday between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. These fixed-price menus include a main course, salad, bread, and sometimes coffee for a reasonable price.
Attractions and Activities
Gothenburg offers many attractions at varying price points, with several free options as well.
| Attraction/Activity | Price (SEK) | Price (USD) |
| Liseberg Amusement Park (entrance) | 125 SEK | $11.50 |
| Liseberg (entrance + ride pass) | 395-495 SEK | $36-45 |
| Universeum Science Center | 245 SEK | $22.50 |
| Museum of Art | 100 SEK | $9.20 |
| Volvo Museum | 140 SEK | $12.80 |
| Botanical Garden | Free | Free |
| Archipelago ferry (return) | 70-100 SEK | $6.40-9.20 |
| Paddan boat tour | 235 SEK | $21.60 |
Money-saving tip: Many museums offer free admission on specific days or times. The Gothenburg Museum of Art is free on Wednesdays, and the Gothenburg City Museum offers free entry on Fridays.
Is Gothenburg Expensive for Tourists? Budget Comparison
How expensive is Gothenburg compared to other European destinations? Let’s compare daily budgets for mid-range travelers:
| City | Average Daily Budget (USD) |
| Stockholm, Sweden | $130-190 |
| Gothenburg, Sweden | $110-165 |
| Copenhagen, Denmark | $145-200 |
| Oslo, Norway | $150-210 |
| Helsinki, Finland | $120-170 |
| Berlin, Germany | $95-140 |
| Prague, Czech Republic | $70-110 |
| Tallinn, Estonia | $65-100 |
While Gothenburg is less expensive than other Scandinavian capitals like Oslo or Copenhagen, it remains pricier than many Central and Eastern European destinations. However, compared to Stockholm, you’ll generally save 15-20% on most expenses in Gothenburg.
Seasonal Price Variations: When is Gothenburg Most Expensive?
Is Gothenburg expensive year-round? The city experiences significant seasonal price fluctuations:
- Peak season (June-August): Expect the highest prices, especially in July when many Swedes vacation. Accommodation can cost 30-40% more than off-season.
- Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): More moderate prices with fewer crowds. Accommodation costs typically 15-20% lower than peak season.
- Off-season (November-March): The most affordable time to visit, with hotel rates up to 40% lower than summer prices. However, be prepared for shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures.
Money-saving tip: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, visiting during late May or early September offers the best balance of decent weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds.
Practical Money-Saving Tips for Gothenburg
If you’re concerned about how expensive Gothenburg might be for your budget, these strategies can help you save:
Accommodation Savings
- Stay in budget-friendly neighborhoods like Hisingen, Majorna, or areas near Chalmers University
- Consider hostels like STF Gothenburg City or Slottsskogens Hostel
- Book well in advance during summer months to secure better rates
- Look for apartment rentals for stays longer than a few days
Food and Dining Savings
- Shop at local supermarkets like ICA, Coop, or Willys for picnic supplies and snacks
- Visit Saluhallen food hall for affordable local specialties
- Try food trucks around Magasinsgatan and Järntorget for tasty, less expensive meals
- Pack a water bottle to avoid buying bottled water (tap water is excellent quality)
Transportation Savings
- Consider a 72-hour transport pass if staying for several days
- Use the Västtrafik app to purchase digital tickets (slightly cheaper than paper tickets)
- Explore on foot – Gothenburg’s compact center is highly walkable
- Rent a bike through Styr & Ställ, the city’s bike-sharing system
Attraction Savings
- Visit free attractions like Slottsskogen Park, Garden Society of Gothenburg, and the Gothenburg Museum of Art (free on Wednesdays)
- Explore the archipelago using public transport tickets
- Check for student and senior discounts if applicable
- Take advantage of free walking tours offered by Free Tour Gothenburg
Is Gothenburg Expensive to Visit? The Verdict
While Gothenburg is not a budget destination by global standards, it offers better value than many other Scandinavian cities. For travelers accustomed to Western European prices, Gothenburg will feel moderately expensive, while those from more affordable countries might find costs quite high.
The good news is that Gothenburg delivers excellent quality for what you pay – clean streets, efficient public transportation, high-quality food, and numerous cultural experiences. With strategic planning using our tips above, you can experience the best of this charming Swedish city without excessive spending.
For budget travelers, a daily cost of 700-1,000 SEK ($65-92) is reasonable with careful planning. Mid-range travelers should expect to spend 1,200-1,800 SEK ($110-165) daily, while those seeking luxury experiences will need 3,000+ SEK ($275+) per day.
Where to Store Your Luggage in Gothenburg
Need to explore the city before check-in or after check-out? Radical Storage offers convenient luggage storage locations throughout Gothenburg for just €5 per bag per day, with no size or weight restrictions. Our secure storage points are located near major attractions and transport hubs, including Gothenburg Central Station, Avenyn, and Haga.
Final Thoughts: Is Gothenburg Worth the Cost?
Despite being relatively expensive, Gothenburg offers an authentic Swedish experience with a unique blend of historical charm and modern innovations. Its beautiful archipelago, world-class museums, charming neighborhoods like Haga, and renowned culinary scene make it well worth the investment for most travelers.
By planning ahead, using public transportation, seeking out lunch specials, and taking advantage of free attractions, you can enjoy all that Gothenburg has to offer without excessive spending. The city’s relaxed atmosphere and smaller size compared to Stockholm also mean you can enjoy a more leisurely pace, getting more value from each day of your visit.
Have you visited Gothenburg? How did you find the prices compared to other destinations? Share your experiences and money-saving tips in the comments below!
