A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Monaco for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Stockholm or Monaco?

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 Monaco 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 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a posh, glitzy, and glamorous coastal resort area. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Stockholm and Monaco: 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 for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Stockholm or Monaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Monaco, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Stockholm is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Monaco is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Monaco is more touristy than Stockholm and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. 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).

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

How is Stockholm different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monaco 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 Monaco?

Stockholm
Monaco

Stockholm is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Stockholm specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Stockholm
Monaco

Monaco is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Monaco. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm
Monaco

Monaco is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Monaco is a world class party destination. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

Many people head to Stockholm for the nightlife scene. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for Music?

Stockholm
Monaco

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Monaco is not a live music destination.

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.

Monaco is not a live music destination.


Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Stockholm
Monaco

Monaco is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Stockholm is not a resort destination.

Monaco is a world class resort vacation destination. As the playground for the rich and famous, this city has its share of luxury resorts. Famous hotels include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Stockholm is not a resort destination.

Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Stockholm
Monaco

Monaco is a coastal resort area with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Stockholm is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Monaco. There are both beaches that offer walk-in snorkeling spots as well as boat tours that you can book that will take you to some of the best snorkeling and dive sights around Monaco.

Stockholm is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Stockholm
Monaco

Monaco is a coastal resort area with good options for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monaco. Located along the French Riviera, the beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand. The only public beach is Plage du Larvotto in Monte Carlo and there are a number of activities available including jet skis and wind-surfing. This is also a very family-friendly beach that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.


Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm
Monaco

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Stockholm offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Monaco?

Stockholm
Monaco

Monaco is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Monaco make it a world-class shopping destination. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for Families?

Stockholm
Monaco

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-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.

For families, Monaco is not always the best place to visit. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.


Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for Couples?

Stockholm
Monaco

Both Stockholm and Monaco are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Stockholm is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Monaco is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.

Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm
Monaco

Stockholm is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Stockholm is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Monaco is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Known for it's luxury accommodation and posh visitors, this coastal area isn't known for its backpacker friendly atmosphere. Most budget travelers skip the glitz and glam of this microstate in order to save a few bucks.

Is Stockholm or Monaco Better for Students?

Stockholm
Monaco

Stockholm is very good for students. However, Monaco is not popular with 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.

Monaco is not popular with students.


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

Stockholm
Monaco

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Stockholm is top-notch. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

While Monaco offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system.

Is Stockholm or Monaco a more walkable city?

Stockholm
Monaco

Stockholm and Monaco 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.

Monaco is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stockholm and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in Monaco. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Monaco. 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 Monaco than Stockholm. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Monaco that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Stockholm than Monaco 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 Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stockholm 2-7 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Stockholm or Monaco?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal resort area of Monaco. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monaco has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Stockholm or Monaco?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glamorous big city of Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal resort area has to offer. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glamorous coastal resort area of Monaco. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stockholm or Monaco?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Monaco is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Stockholm?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $172, while the average daily cost in Monaco is $206. 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 Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stockholm $98
    Monaco $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stockholm $196
    Monaco $258
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Stockholm or Monaco? 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 Monaco


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 $21
    Monaco $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Stockholm to Stockholm Airport (ARN) - Departure Transfer: $50
  • Airport Limousine Transfer: Bromma Airport to Stockholm City 1-7 Passengers: $138
  • Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Arlanda Airport 1-7 Passengers: $187
  • Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Bromma Airport 1-7 Passengers: $138
  • Arlanda Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $18
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bromma Airport BMA to Stockholm City by Luxury Van: $145
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Stockholm City by Business Car: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Bromma Airport BMA to Stockholm City by Minibus: $278
  • Cruise port VIP Transfer : Cruise port to Arlanda Airport 1-3 passenger: $202
  • Cruise port VIP Transfer: Stockholm city center to Cruise port 1-6 Passangers: $164
  • Departure Private Transfer Stockholm City to Stockholm Airport NYO-Business Car: $295
  • Departure Private Transfer: Stockholm City to Bromma Airport BMA by Minibus: $267

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $231

Is it cheaper to fly into Stockholm or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco 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 $37
    Monaco $58
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

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


  • Breakfast
    $9.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

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

  • Stockholm Food Tour: $108
  • Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $120
  • Stockholm Dinner Experience: $128
  • Stockholm Private Food Tour with a Local: Tastiest Treats 100% Personalized: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stockholm $26
    Monaco $25

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

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

  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Stockholm: $3.31
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Stupid a funny history walking tour game: $7.78
  • Stockholm Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Stockholm Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Fotografiska Stockholm Admission Ticket: $20
  • Stockholm Christmas Tour and Food Experience: $20
  • Stockholm Self-Guided Murder Mystery Tour by the Parliament: $21
  • Stockholm Self-Guided Murder Mystery Tour by the Royal Palace : $21
  • Walking Tour of Stockholm Old Town: $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Monaco

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.43
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Monte Carlo & Audioguide: $14
  • City Neighborhoods Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket: $21
  • Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour: $54
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour with a local licensed guide: $54
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $71
  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stockholm $27
    Monaco $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Wine Tasting : Tour de France in Nice city centre: $74


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Monaco, we can see that Monaco is more expensive. And not only is Stockholm much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Monaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monaco 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 Monaco Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Monaco?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 1230 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Monaco, 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.