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

Should you visit Stockholm or San Diego?

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 San Diego 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

San Diego

San Diego is a hip, dynamic, and energetic coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Stockholm and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or San Diego?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Diego than Stockholm, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Diego is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Stockholm is more popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. San Diego is more touristy than Stockholm and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Stockholm is well known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town.

How is Stockholm different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

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

Both Stockholm and San Diego 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.

San Diego is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

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

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 San Diego for the nightlife scene. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Music?

Stockholm is renowned for its live music scene. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its music scene.

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.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its resorts. However, Stockholm is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Stockholm is not a resort destination.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a coastal city 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 San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Stockholm is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

San Diego is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is renowned for its old town. However, San Diego does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Stockholm is one of the most recognized in 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.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or San Diego?

Stockholm is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Stockholm is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Families?

Both Stockholm and San Diego are fantastic to visit with kids.

Stockholm is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Diego is very family-friendly. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Couples?

Both Stockholm and San Diego are fantastic 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.

San Diego is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm and San Diego are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Stockholm or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

San Diego is a very popular coastal city for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

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.

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

Stockholm is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

Stockholm has a great public transit system. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Stockholm or San Diego a more walkable city?

Stockholm is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Stockholm is a very easy city to get around on foot. 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.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or San Diego?

In either Stockholm or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than San Diego because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Stockholm. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Diego, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Stockholm than San Diego. 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 San Diego 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.

One day in Stockholm or San Diego?

People visit Stockholm because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of San Diego. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Diego?

People visit Stockholm because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of San Diego. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or San Diego?

People visit Stockholm because there is so much to do. 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. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the relaxed coastal city of San Diego. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

A week in Stockholm or San Diego?

Stockholm is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stockholm, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

San Diego is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or San Diego?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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.

Should I visit Stockholm or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Stockholm during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Stockholm is cooler than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Stockholm. In the summer, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and San Diego. 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 San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, 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 San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stockholm usually receives more rain than San Diego. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stockholm or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as San Diego. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Diego 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 San Diego. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the winter, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in January than San Diego. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. 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 San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Stockholm is much colder than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stockholm usually receives more rain than San Diego. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Stockholm