Sweden is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. This Sweden trip budget calculator shows you average costs from thousands of past travelers, including info on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Sweden?
A typical traveler spends $186 (kr1,725) per day on a trip to Sweden. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Sweden based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $63 (kr582) on meals
- $21 (kr197) on local transportation
- $159 (kr1,473) on hotels
A one-week trip to Sweden for two people costs, on average, $2,609 (kr24,150). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Sweden expensive to visit?
Sweden is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Sweden is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Slovakia or Portugal.
In Sweden, budget travelers spend $77 (kr706) per person per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $188 (kr1,725) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $437 (kr4,009) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sweden.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Sweden has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Uppsala are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Sweden, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
For more details, see Is Sweden Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sweden?
The average Sweden trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sweden travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sweden cost?
Sweden on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$33
(kr306)
|
$80
(kr737)
|
$178
(kr1,650)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$8.93
(kr83)
|
$21
(kr197)
|
$46
(kr424)
|
|
Food2
|
$26
(kr243)
|
$63
(kr582)
|
$138
(kr1,276)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$11
(kr98)
|
$26
(kr237)
|
$58
(kr533)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$6-18
(kr54-162)
|
$14-42
(kr130-391)
|
$31-94
(kr291-873)
|
Sundborn, Sweden
Accommodation Budget in Sweden
The range of hotel prices in Sweden can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sweden for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $159 (kr1,473). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $80 (kr737) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sweden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Stockholm
As one of the more popular destinations, Stockholm offers a variety of hotel options at a range of prices. You'll find typical hotel prices from $48 in the low season to $244 during the busy peak season. With many travelers lingering for up to seven days, you should prioritize finding a comfortable stay in a favorable location if you plan to explore the area. If you're looking for some good options, you should check out Hotel Rival for $161 and Victory Hotel Stockholm starting at $131. If you stay in a hostel, you can expect to pay around $29 for a dorm bed.
Local Transportation Budget in Sweden
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $21 (kr197) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sweden. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sweden is significantly more than public transportation.
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Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$21
kr197
In Sweden, the train system is excellent, allowing you to connect to nearly all regions of the country. The ticket prices are reasonable, and the rides are both comfortable and swift. If trains don't reach your destination, regional and long-distance buses can help.
If you're in Sweden, you'll find that public transportation in many destinations is quite limited unless you're visiting cities such as Stockholm. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
If you're considering a visit to the countryside, you'll want to rent a car. Note that in Europe, most cars feature a manual transmission, and if you prefer an automatic, you might have to pay a premium. It's important to book ahead of time, as the lower-priced rentals tend to go quickly.
When you have a car in one of the bigger cities, make sure to check with your hotel about their parking situation in advance. You might have to pay for parking at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. Sometimes, it's more economical to park your car a bit outside of town.
Typical prices for transit in Sweden are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Sweden. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in Sweden
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Sweden can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sweden is $63 (kr582) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$63
kr582
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sweden is around $63 (kr582) per person, with previous travelers spending from $27 to $139. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sweden are as follows:
- Breakfast: $11 to $19
- Lunch: $10 to $32
- Dinner: $22 to $51
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Swedish Meatballs: A Swedish staple, meatballs are served with a creamy gravy and a fruit jam. They're available in most restaurants, particularly those that offer traditional Swedish dishes.
Blabarssoppa: This is a traditional Swedish drink that is made from bilberries. It can be served either warm or cold and is usually thickened slightly with a starch. Bilberries are a fruit that grow in the wild throughout Scandinavia. The word is literally translated to mean "blueberry" although the actual fruit is not a blueberry.
Kroppkakor: This is a potato dumpling that is stuffed with pork and onions. It is most common in the southern regions of Sweden where it is served with butter, cream and lingonberry jam.
Sweden is a great destination to enjoy the local food, as you'll find a variety of delicious dishes. A few of the best cities for food are Stockholm.
Stockholm
If you're a traveling foodie, you'll enjoy your time 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.
When dining with children, make sure to find restaurants that offer a childrens' menu. This can save you a considerable amount, as those meals are usually much cheaper. Also, remember that some restaurants might not list the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your waiter.
Many hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some may charge extra for it. The price and quality of breakfast can differ greatly between hotels. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you want to spend more on that hotel buffet or if a nearby bakery or café would be a more budget-friendly option.
Instead of purchasing drinks everywhere, bring a water bottle along. It's also an eco-conscious choice.
Before you head out on a tour, it's important to check which meals are included. If you have to pay for some meals yourself, it could affect your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Sweden. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Midnight Sun Hike & Campfire Wild Dinner i- Tyresta National Park for $197 details
- Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Sami BBQ Dinner for $190 details
- Kiruna: Aurora Chase with Street Food Dinner & Nature Guides for $211 details
- Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko for $291 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Sweden, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sweden
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sweden typically cost an average of $26 (kr237) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
kr237
As a very popular travel destination, Sweden allows many visitors to tick off several items from their bucket lists. Notable places to explore in Sweden are Stockholm.
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. It's a unique city in that it's spread out over 14 islands that are connected by many bridges. The are many quaint streets and a beautiful and colorful old town that you can explore. The city has many ferries and sightseeing boats that will take you by some of the most significant landmarks.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Sweden. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Guided Swedish Food Walking Tour in Stockholm for $119 details
- Meet 70 Huskies and Enjoy a short ATV Tour with the Huskies for $184 details
- RIB Speed Boat Tour and Archipelago Island Visit (4,5h) for $213 details
- Historical Walking Tour in Restaurant and Bars in Central City for $49 details
Nightlife Budget in Sweden
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $28 (kr261) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sweden per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$28
kr261
Sweden is a highly sought-after spot for nightlife, drawing visitors from across the globe to enjoy its vibrant scene. Some of the top nightlife destinations are Stockholm.
Stockholm
If partying is a priority while you're traveling, then you'll want to visit Stockholm. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.
While enjoying the local nightlife is part of the adventure, limiting drinks can help stretch your travel funds.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Sweden. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Wine tasting in Old Town Stockholm for $55 details
- Stockholm: The Original Pub Crawl VIP Club Access for $27 details
- Stockholm: Private Pub Crawl, Free Shots & Club Entry for $419 details
- Stockholm: The Original Pub Crawl for $26 details
Travel Costs Last Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Traveling in Sweden
Uppsala, Sweden
Sweden is the largest of the Nordic countries in Northern Europe. Although up until the 17th century it was a very strong military power, for the last couple of hundred years, Sweden has proudly remained neutral in all military conflicts. It is a very peaceful country, with friendly and welcoming people that are eager to show you their country and culture.
Sweden has a comfortable summer and harsh winters. While most tourists head to Sweden during the pleasant summer months, if you do find yourself in Stockholm during the winter you can be assured that there are plenty of bars where you can pass the cold winter evenings. is a bustling city with plenty of bars to pass the cold winter evenings. During the summer months camping is a popular way to vacation throughout the country. International tourists and Swedes alike head into the countryside to enjoy a pleasant evening under the stars.
Although Sweden is a relatively large country, most visitors spend the bulk of there time in the southern region which has most of the popular cities and tourist sights. Distances between destinations in the south is relatively short so there is little need to take a domestic flight unless you are very short on time. Regardless, transportation in Sweden is quite expensive. There is an extensive train system that travels throughout the country. The best way to ensure you get a good deal is to book your tickets well in advance. Buses are a slightly cheaper alternative, particularly if you qualify for the youth discount.
Traditional Swedish cuisine is very hearty, taking into account the cold climate. Meatballs, hash, soup, and pickled herrings are some common staples. Restaurants can be somewhat expensive throughout Sweden. Your cheapest options will be the pizza and kebab restaurants that are common place throughout the larger cities. Coffee drinking is also a popular activity in Sweden. Many people pass the time sipping coffee in the cafes that are ubiquitous in most cities. The cafes often a wonderful social setting where you can chat and interact with friends or family. The coffee itself is actually much stronger than the American variety. You can also find most Italian varieties in most cafes throughout the country.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Lake Siljan: This lake is a popular vacation spot for Swedes in the summer. It's in the middle of the country in the Dalarna area and is the focus of much folklore and tradition. Although it's only the sixth largest lake in the country, it still see a high number of visitors every year.
Vasamuseet:This is an incredible wooden sea ship that sunk in the 1600s and has since been recovered and restored. Located on the island of Djurgarden in Stockholm, it's housed in an impressive museum that opened in 1990.
Falu Kopparbergsgruva: This is a historic copper mine from the 17th century that had a major impact on the Sweden economy. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Many people might hear that you can explore Sweden for just $77 a day, but if you're not ready to sacrifice some comforts, be prepared to spend quite a bit more.
Backpackers often manage to stick to this tight budget, but it usually means sleeping in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest eateries or grabbing fast food, relying on public transport or walking everywhere, and limiting themselves to free attractions.
Fortunately, Sweden has a large number of hostels. You'll find the greatest concentration in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Uppsala.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $188 per person each day.
Sweden has a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals to fit any travel style. You'll likely be cutting your individual costs by sharing your hotel room with a partner, friends, or your kids. In family-friendly spots like Stockholm, you'll come across plenty of hotels and restaurants designed with kids in mind. In Kristianstad, check out Annas Hotell, or consider Hotel Sven Vintappare in Stockholm. For a romantic retreat in Salen, couples will love Hotel Bugelhof. For more family and couples options, see our hotel guide for Sweden here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $437. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like Uppsala and Stockholm. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as A Winter Journey in Wild Lapland, 7 nights - offered by Wild Sweden.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
