A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Balaton Lake for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Stockholm or Balaton Lake?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Balaton Lake can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Stockholm or Balaton Lake?

Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is made up of over 14 islands that are connected by countless bridges. Water is an integral part of the city, but so are parks and gardens. The city is covered in strategically positioned green space. Together, the water and parkland cover more than half of the city's area, giving this bustling city a breath of fresh air.

Balaton Lake

Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, and The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Balaton Lake or Stockholm?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $167, while the average daily cost in Balaton Lake is $86. 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 Stockholm and Balaton Lake in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stockholm $96
    Balaton Lake $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stockholm $192
    Balaton Lake $96
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Balaton Lake

Looking for a hotel in Stockholm or Balaton Lake? 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 Stockholm


Hotels in Balaton Lake


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: Stockholm Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stockholm $20
    Balaton Lake $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Arlanda Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
  • Train Transfer between City and Arlanda Airport: $21
  • Skavsta Airport Bus Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Bromma Airport BMA: $37
  • Private Transfer from Bromma Airport (BMA) to Stockholm Port: $37
  • Stockholm City to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Stockholm Port to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Stockholm Hotels to Nynashamn Cruise Port Private Transfer: $38
  • Stockholm Port to Stockholm hotel Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm hotels to Stockholm Cruise Port: $41
  • Stockholm to Stockholm Airport (ARN) - Departure Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Stockholm or Balaton Lake?

Prices for flights to both Balaton Lake and Stockholm 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
    Stockholm $36
    Balaton Lake $27
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

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


  • Breakfast
    $9.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

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

  • Self Guided Taysta Food Tour in Stockholm: $33
  • Food Tour: $101
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $104
  • Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $119
  • From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stockholm $25
    Balaton Lake $20

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

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

  • 2-Hour Free Walking Tour in Stockholm: $0.92
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Tour Gratis Estocolmo La Ciudad Vieja Isla los Caballerosen: $4.41
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Gamla Stan's Landmarks and legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • History and Secrets of Gamla Audio Guided Walking Tour: $6.20
  • Stockholm City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Highlights Tour: $6.95
  • Gamla Stan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Stockholm’s Old City: $6.99
  • Walking Tour of Stockholm's City Center: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stockholm $26
    Balaton Lake $8.73

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

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

  • Original Stockholm Pub Crawl: $32
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $280
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $288


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Balaton Lake, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Balaton Lake much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Balaton Lake would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Balaton Lake 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 Stockholm would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stockholm than you might in Balaton Lake.

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


Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Balaton Lake?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 610 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Balaton Lake, 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 Stockholm or Balaton Lake?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Stockholm or Balaton Lake in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Balaton Lake. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stockholm is cooler than Balaton Lake. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stockholm in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Balaton Lake this time of the year. In Stockholm, it's very sunny this time of the year. Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Balaton Lake during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Balaton Lake. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stockholm 18°C (64°F) 
    Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Balaton Lake in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Balaton Lake. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Stockholm is generally much colder than Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 8°C (46°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Balaton Lake. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 169 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets more rain in October than Balaton Lake. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stockholm 8°C (46°F) 
    Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Balaton Lake in the Winter?

Both Balaton Lake and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Balaton Lake in the winter. The weather in Stockholm can be very cold. Stockholm is much colder than Balaton Lake in the winter. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Balaton Lake during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Balaton Lake. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stockholm -3°C (27°F) 
    Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Balaton Lake in the Spring?

Both Balaton Lake and Stockholm during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year.

In the spring, Stockholm is much colder than Balaton Lake. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stockholm in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Stockholm often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Balaton Lake. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 187 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Balaton Lake. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stockholm 5°C (41°F) 
    Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Balaton Lake and Stockholm

Stockholm Balaton Lake
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in) 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in) 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)