A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours Denmark vs. Sweden

Should you visit Denmark or Sweden?

Denmark and Sweden are both expensive countries in Europe, but they are comparable in price to each other.

Denmark is a small country, and most visitors spend the majority of their time in Copenhagen. The city is very cosmopolitan and international, and there's a lot for visitors to see and do. Whether you're interested in history, nightlife, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Copenhagen is a fun place to spend some time. It's often possible to include a trip to Denmark into a longer trip to Scandinavia or Europe. Many visitors pass through the country when exploring other areas.

Sweden is a much larger country. Many visitors spend time in the capital city of Stockholm, which is a fun city with a lot to see and explore. But if you really want to experience Sweden then you need to get outside of the capital city. Sweden's large size makes it a bit difficult and expensive to explore. There are trains, buses, and ferries, but the prices can be high. In some cases it's actually more affordable to find a domestic flight. Outdoor sports are very popular in Sweden, so if you enjoy being active, particularly with winter activities, then this is a fun country to visit.

Which country is cheaper, Sweden or Denmark?

Should I visit Denmark or Sweden? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Sweden can cost you about $963 (per person), while a week in Denmark may cost you around $1,338. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Sweden or Denmark can really add to your travel budget.

Accommodation is often cheaper in Sweden compared to Denmark ($68 vs. $87). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.

Compare hotel prices here: Denmark Hotel Prices and Sweden Hotel Prices.

Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between Sweden and Denmark to find the cheapest accommodation here: Sweden hostels and Denmark hostels.

When comparing food in Denmark vs. Sweden they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Denmark ($54) are often cheaper than Sweden ($32).


  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Denmark $191
    Sweden $138
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Denmark $87
    Sweden $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Denmark $173
    Sweden $135
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Denmark $34
    Sweden $18
  • Food Meals for one day
    Denmark $54
    Sweden $32
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Denmark $43
    Sweden $22
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Denmark $19
    Sweden $24
  • Water Bottled water for one day
    Denmark $9.48
    Sweden $2.34
How much are flights to Denmark and Sweden?

The price of a plane ticket may help you decide which country you should visit.




Find a Hostel in Denmark or Sweden

Hostels, guest houses, and locally owned B&B's are often the cheapest form of accommodation.


Denmark
Sweden




When is the best time to visit Denmark and Sweden?
Copenhagen Copenhagen
Most people visit Sweden between the months of May and September. This is the most pleasant time to explore the country, whether you're heading north or south. The summer weather is generally comfortable and there is a decent amount of sun. In northern Sweden, the leaves start changing color as early as late August and it can snow in September. Stockholm may experience its first snow in October and there's often a snow cover by November. This usually melts in March or April.

Like most Scandinavian countries, Denmark is best visited during the months of June, July, and August. This is when the weather is the warmest and the tourist facilities are opened and fully operational. By fall many places start to shorten their hours.

July is a holiday month for many Danes, who head to the countryside. These areas can be most crowded during this month, but they still don't experience the intense crowds that you might experience in other countries.

Why are Denmark and Sweden comparable in price?
Both Denmark and Sweden are Scandinavian countries that are relatively expensive to visit. The high cost of living and high quality of life keep the prices high for visitors. Copenhagen can be a bit more expensive than Stockholm, but because Sweden is such a large country, transportation costs are very high. If you're hoping to explore the country in depth you can expect to spend a good amount of money traveling around. Alcohol in Sweden is also notoriously expensive, so if drinking is a high priority, be prepared to pay for it.
What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in Denmark and Sweden?
Gothenburg, Sweden Gothenburg, Sweden
Copenhagen is the most popular, and most expensive place to visit in Denmark. Because Denmark is such a small country, most visitors spend the majority of their time in Copenhagen. Everything from food to accommodation can be expensive. Making reservations well in advance and booking any train or ferry tickets can help you keep your costs in check.

Stockholm is also an expensive city and an expensive place to visit in Sweden. Because it's a popular place to visit there's a good diversity of places to stay, ranging from backpacker hostels to nice hotels. There are also a variety of restaurants to choose from, so it is possible to find an affordable meal if you really look for it.

Because Sweden is so large, traveling around is likely to be one of your greatest expenses. Also consider which activities you want to do, because organized activities can be a bit costly.

How you can save money when visiting Denmark and Sweden?
Transportation is very expensive in these countries. Buy tickets well in advance and research any discount options that might be available. In Sweden, domestic flights might actually be your cheapest option, so look into everything that's available before you make a decision.

In large countries like Sweden, if you're on a tight budget it's best to pick a few places to visit and prioritize those areas. Traveling between destinations can get expensive so slow down and enjoy the places you do visit.

Because Denmark and Sweden are so expensive, these countries are great places to cook for yourself. Restaurants can be expensive so find a local grocery store and plan to prepare your own meals.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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