Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Stockholm?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Stockholm or Cape Town?
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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town?
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.
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayStockholm $169Cape Town $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $169, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $98. 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 Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personStockholm $96Cape Town $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomStockholm $192Cape Town $78
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Stockholm or Cape Town? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Stockholm Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Stockholm $20Cape Town $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:
- Train Transfer between City and Arlanda Airport: $21
- Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) to Stockholm City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
- Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) to Stockholm City - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
- Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm city centre to Skavsta Airport: $291
- Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to Bromma airport: $73
- Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to Arlanda airport: $158
- Stockholm Port to Stockholm hotel Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Stockholm Port to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Stockholm Hotels to Nynashamn Cruise Port Private Transfer: $38
- Stockholm Departure Private Transfer to Arlanda ARN Airport by Business Car: $132
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
- Airport transfers: $22
- 1 Day Durbanville Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Transfers: $178
- 1 Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local with Private Guided Transfer: $149
- 1 Day Helderberg Valley Winelands Tour with Private Transfers: $232
- 1 Day Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $205
- 1 Day Tastes of Stellenbosch Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $220
- 1 Day West Coast Wonders Tour with Private Transfers: $177
- 1 Day Wine Lover Wander Connoisseur Tour with Private Transfers: $180
- 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $54
- 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $17
- AIRPORT Transfer to and from Cape Town City: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Stockholm or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town 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
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Food Meals for one dayStockholm $36Cape Town $42
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:
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Breakfast$9.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.
- Food Tour: $102
- Stockholm Food Tour: $103
- Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $119
- From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $129
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Stockholm $25Cape Town $23
Tours and Activities in Stockholm
Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Stockholm Fire and Ice Tour! Dive into Swedish lifestyle! Bike and Sauna: $235
- 1-Day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour: $182
- 1-day 7h Royal Palace and Castle Tour from Stockholm: $352
- 2 Hour Stockholm Metro Tour : $39
- 2-Hour Free Walking Tour in Stockholm: $0.93
- 2-Hour Walking Tour Stockholm (Old Town and Surroundings): $3.28
- 2-day kayaking adventure around Vaxholm in Stockholm Archipelago - self guided: $252
- 3-4h Viking History Short Day Tour from Stockholm: $107
- 3-Hour Private Stockholm Photography Tour of Famous Landmarks : $172
- 3-day kayaking adventure around Vaxholm in Stockholm Archipelago - self guided: $299
- 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Stockholm: $63
- ABBA Museum Fast-Track Tickets, Stockholm Pop Culture Tour: $283
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
- District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
- Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.60
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $4.15
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.15
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.35
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.35
- Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
- Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayStockholm $26Cape Town $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm
Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $282
- Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $284
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Cape Town, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Stockholm is in Europe and Cape Town is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cape Town would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Town 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 Cape Town.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stockholm Expensive? and Is Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Cape Town?
Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Cape Town, 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 Cape Town?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Stockholm has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Stockholm or Cape Town in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Cape Town. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Stockholm is cooler than Cape Town in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stockholm this time of the year. In the summer, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin January. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun.
Stockholm usually gets more rain in July than Cape Townin January. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryStockholm 18°C (64°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Stockholm or Cape Town in the Autumn?
Both Cape Town and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Stockholm is much colder than Cape Town. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Cape Town averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Cape Town. Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during autumn. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Cape Townin April. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilStockholm 8°C (46°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Stockholm or Cape Town in the Winter?
Both Cape Town and Stockholm during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Stockholm can be very cold during winter. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Cape Townin July. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin July. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun.
Stockholm usually gets less rain in January than Cape Townin July. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyStockholm -3°C (27°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Stockholm or Cape Town in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Cape Town. The spring months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Stockholm is much colder than Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cape Townin October. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberStockholm 5°C (41°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Stockholm
| Stockholm | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
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.