A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Houston for Music, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Stockholm or Houston?

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 Houston 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

Stockholm is a coastal, safe, and expensive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Stockholm and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less active music scene
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Stockholm or Houston?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Stockholm than Houston. While Houston is larger than Stockholm, Stockholm has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Stockholm is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Houston is more popular for its big city activities. Stockholm is more touristy than Houston and is 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). Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

Gamla Stan (the old town)
Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston and Stockholm. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stockholm or Houston?

Stockholm
Houston

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Stockholm and Houston.

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 Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.


Is the Food Better in Stockholm or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Stockholm
Houston

Both Stockholm and Houston offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Stockholm. 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Stockholm or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm
Houston

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Stockholm and Houston.

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 Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Stockholm or Houston Better for Music?

Stockholm
Houston

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Stockholm The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.


Is Stockholm or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm
Houston

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Stockholm is revered around the world. 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Houston?

Stockholm
Houston

Stockholm is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Stockholm or Houston Better for Families?

Stockholm
Houston

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Stockholm is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.


Is Stockholm or Houston Better for Couples?

Stockholm
Houston

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Stockholm is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Stockholm or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm
Houston

Stockholm is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Stockholm or Houston Better for Students?

Stockholm
Houston

Stockholm and Houston are notable places to visit for students.

Stockholm is popular with students. 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.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.


Is Stockholm or Houston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Stockholm
Houston

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Stockholm can get you around easily. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Stockholm or Houston a more walkable city?

Stockholm
Houston

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stockholm and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in Houston. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Houston. 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 Houston. 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 Stockholm than Houston 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 Stockholm.


  • How many days in Stockholm or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stockholm 2-7 
    Houston 2-3

One day in Stockholm or Houston?

Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Houston. 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.


A weekend in Stockholm or Houston?

Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer.

You'll find live music and food around the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. 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.

Five days in Stockholm or Houston?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Houston. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stockholm or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Stockholm?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $169, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stockholm $96
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stockholm $192
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Stockholm or Houston? 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 Houston


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 Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stockholm $20
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Stockholm to Stockholm Airport (ARN) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Airport Limousine Transfer: Bromma Airport to Stockholm City 1-7 Passengers: $131
  • Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Bromma Airport 1-7 Passengers: $131
  • Airport Transfer By Business Van - Arlanda Airport - Sthlm City : $207
  • Airport Transfer By Luxuary First Class , Arlanda Airport-Sthlm City: $246
  • Arlanda Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bromma Airport BMA to Stockholm City by Business Car: $134
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bromma Airport BMA to Stockholm City by Luxury Van: $143
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Stockholm City by Business Car: $123
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Bromma Airport BMA to Stockholm City by Minibus: $275
  • Cruise port VIP Transfer: Cruise port to Stockholm city center 1-6 Passangers: $159
  • Cruise port VIP Transfer: Stockholm city center to Cruise port 1-6 Passangers: $156

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
  • George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $349
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
  • Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Stockholm or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston 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
    Houston $35
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

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


  • 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 Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Montrose Food Tour: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stockholm $25
    Houston $14

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: $0.93
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour Stockholm (Old Town and Surroundings): $3.28
  • Walking Tour: Modern Stockholm City: $4.17
  • Walking Tour Stockholm Old Town: $4.17
  • Tour a pie Estocolmo la Ciudad Vieja: $4.63
  • 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 Stan Audio GPS Guided Walking Tour: $6.20
  • Stockholm City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
  • Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
  • Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Family Guy Experience - Houston: $25
  • Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stockholm $26
    Houston $13

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 Houston

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

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


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

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


Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Stockholm is much colder than Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In July, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Houston. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stockholm 18°C (64°F) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Stockholm or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Stockholm during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Stockholm is much colder than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stockholm 8°C (46°F) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Stockholm or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Houston. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Stockholm can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Houston. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stockholm -3°C (27°F) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Stockholm or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Houston. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

Stockholm is much colder than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stockholm 5°C (41°F) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Stockholm

Stockholm Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 11°C (52°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)