Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Stockholm?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Budapest 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.
Stockholm is a expensive, beautiful, and clean city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Many visitors also come to Stockholm because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Stockholm travel costs.
Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Budapest is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Budapest travel costs.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Stockholm than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than Stockholm, Stockholm has more sights and attractions for tourists. Stockholm is better known for its food, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Budapest is more popular for its big city activities. Stockholm is well known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. Also, Stockholm is famous for Gamla Stan (the old town). Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.
Gamla Stan (the old town)
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest and Stockholm. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Stockholm and Budapest.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Stockholm is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Stockholm has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.
Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Stockholm and Budapest.
Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.
Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Stockholm is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Stockholm. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.
Budapest is not a live music destination.
Stockholm is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.
Stockholm has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.
Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.
Shopping is a popular activity in both Budapest and Stockholm.
Stockholm is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
Stockholm is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.
Many visitors also come to Stockholm because of it's amazing beauty. This is among the cleanest and most beautiful cities in Europe.
With stunning beauty, Budapest attracts visitors from all around. Set against the river, the city has beautiful buildings and nice parks.
Stockholm is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Stockholm is one of the most popular family destinations. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.
Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.
Stockholm is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.
For those traveling as a couple, Stockholm has plenty to offer. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.
Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.
Budapest is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.
Budapest is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.
It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Stockholm and Budapest.
Stockholm has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.
Stockholm and Budapest both are amazing when exploring on foot.
Getting around Stockholm on foot is easy. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.
Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
For even more information, also check out Is Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.
In either Stockholm or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than Budapest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.
Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Budapest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Stockholm, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Stockholm than Budapest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Stockholm that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Stockholm if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Budapest.
Stockholm is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Budapest. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Stockholm is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stockholm, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Stockholm is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stockholm, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the historic city of Budapest. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Stockholm is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest.
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 Stockholm is $190, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $100. 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 Budapest in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Stockholm or Budapest? 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Budapest 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Budapest, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stockholm Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Budapest, 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.
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.
Both Budapest and Stockholm during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Stockholm is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Stockholm. In the summer, Stockholm often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.
Stockholm usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Budapest. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Stockholm is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Budapest. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Budapest. The winter months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.
It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. The weather in Stockholm can be very cold. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).
In the winter, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.
Stockholm usually gets less rain in January than Budapest. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Budapest and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Stockholm is much colder than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Budapest. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Stockholm | Budapest | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
May | 11°C (52°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |