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. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including 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?
You should plan to spend around $154 (kr1,725) per day on your vacation in Sweden. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $52 (kr582) on meals
- $18 (kr197) on local transportation
- $131 (kr1,473) on hotels
A one week trip to Sweden for two people costs, on average, $2,152 (kr24,150). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,076
kr12,075
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,152
kr24,150
-
One Month
Per person
$4,611
kr51,750
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,152
kr24,150
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,304
kr48,300
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,223
kr103,500
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sweden cost?
A one week trip to Sweden usually costs around $1,076 (kr12,075) for one person and $2,152 (kr24,150) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Sweden on average costs around $2,152 (kr24,150) for one person and $4,304 (kr48,300) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sweden will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Sweden on average costs around $4,611 (kr51,750) for one person and $9,223 (kr103,500) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
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 Malta or Slovakia.
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.
On average, budget travelers spend $64 (kr706) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $156 (kr1,725) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $363 (kr4,009) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sweden.
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
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(kr306)
|
$66
(kr737)
|
$147
(kr1,650)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7.36
(kr83)
|
$18
(kr197)
|
$38
(kr424)
|
|
Food 2
|
$22
(kr243)
|
$52
(kr582)
|
$114
(kr1,276)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8.76
(kr98)
|
$21
(kr237)
|
$48
(kr533)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$5-14
(kr54-162)
|
$12-35
(kr130-391)
|
$26-78
(kr291-873)
|
Gothenburg, Sweden
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Sweden for around $64 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Sweden has an abundance of hostels, particularly in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Uppsala.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $156 per person, per day.
In Sweden, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Stockholm offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Annas Hotell in Kristianstad or Hotel Sven Vintappare in Stockholm. If you're seeking romance in Salen, Hotel Bugelhof is an ideal place for couples to stay. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for Sweden here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $363. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Uppsala and Stockholm.
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 $131 (kr1,473). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $66 (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 $22 for a dorm bed.
Local Transportation Budget in Sweden
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $18 (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.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
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
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Sweden can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sweden is $52 (kr582) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$52
kr582
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sweden is around $53 (kr582) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $116. 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: $9 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $26
- Dinner: $18 to $42
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
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:
- Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko for $238 details
- Guided Food Tour in Malmö (Private) for $115 details
- Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko with Dinner for $239 details
- Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group for $135 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
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sweden typically cost an average of $21 (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.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
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:
- Stockholm: Winter Kayaking, Swedish Fika and hot Sauna Experience for $128 details
- Autumn Husky Sit and Drive Cart Tour from Kiruna for $120 details
- Stockholm RIB Speed Boat Tour for $172 details
- Private Kennel Visit and ATV Tour with the Huskies for $110 details
Nightlife Budget in Sweden
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $23 (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.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$23
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 Gamla Stan (old town -Stockholm): Event, team building & kick-off for $75 details
- Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle for $55 details
- Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan for $279 details
- Stockholm: Guided Bar Crawl with VIP Entry for $23 details
Travel Costs Last Updated: Nov 29, 2024
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.
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.
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.