Stockholm travel budget: how much to plan for in 2026?
13 min read
How much does a trip to Stockholm really cost? Between SL transport (SEK 43 per ticket), accommodation (€80-250/night depending on category), restaurants and museums, I break down the budget item by item with three concrete profiles: backpacker (€70-90/day), mid-range (€120-160) and comfort (€180-300). Plus my tips to cut costs without sacrificing the experience.
Updated: 4 April 2026
Stockholm fascinates as much as it intimidates travellers. The Swedish capital has carried its reputation as an "outrageously expensive" destination for decades. Yet, after exploring its fourteen islands time and again, I can tell you one thing: Stockholm is not necessarily more expensive than Paris or London, as long as you know where to look.
The reality of Stockholm prices in 2026 is nuanced. Some areas are expensive, others less than you might think. Cost-of-living comparisons show that Stockholm can actually be cheaper than Paris. Public transport, for instance, is often cited as costly — but a single ticket costs SEK 43 (approx. EUR 4) for 75 minutes.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the Stockholm travel budget across three traveller profiles. From the backpacker on a shoestring to the visitor seeking Nordic luxury, everyone will find the keys to optimising their spending. We also share insider tips that turn a pricey getaway into a smart trip.
Get ready to discover that the Stockholm City Pass could shake up your calculations, and that certain times of year offer unexpected bargains.
01 Stockholm: understanding the cost of living (compared to France)
Before diving into the numbers, let us put things in context. Stockholm's overall cost of living is comparable to major European capitals: comparison tools show Stockholm is roughly 5-10% cheaper than Paris, while still generally more expensive than smaller European cities.
The hotels are the pleasant surprise: they are often more affordable than in Paris during the off-season, with notable price dips in January-February and October. Conversely, August is one of the most expensive months.
On the other hand, public transport does weigh on the budget: a single SL ticket costs SEK 43 (~EUR 4) for 75 min, compared to EUR 2.50 in Paris since 2026. Contactless payment is accepted in both cities. As for leisure, major attractions charge roughly SEK 150-300 per adult: Vasa SEK 195-240, Royal Palace SEK 200-220, Nobel SEK 150, Fotografiska SEK 200-230, Skansen SEK 220-285 depending on the season.
SEK to EUR conversions are indicative and based on an average rate. The Swedish krona fluctuates; check the rate on the day of your trip.
Important: eating out is a mixed bag. A dagens lunch (lunch menu) typically runs around SEK 150-170, a mid-range dinner around SEK 250-450 per person; useful benchmarks: draft beer ~SEK 60-90, cappuccino ~SEK 40-55.
Supermarket groceries can be slightly more expensive for some imported fresh produce (e.g. tomatoes often ~SEK 43-46/kg), but prices vary by store and season.
These differences are explained by several factors: high standard of living, labour costs, taxation, and fluctuations of the Swedish krona (SEK) against the euro. (Recognised macro factors; exact levels shift throughout the year.)
The travel period significantly affects prices. Winter frequently offers much lower hotel rates (Jan-Feb and October are often the cheapest), while summer sees prices soar.
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2026 prices · Per person · Airport transfer included
Your travel style
Length of stay
Travel season
Number of travellers
2 people
Estimated budget / person
0€
Per day
189 €/j
🛏️ Accommodation
3★ Hotel100 €/j
🍽️ Food
Dagens lunch + dinner43 €/j
🚇 Transport
SL + occasional taxi13 €/j
🎭 Activities
2-3 museums / day33 €/j
✈️ Airport transfer return+44 €
Total budget for 2 people1978 €
⚠ Indicative estimate based on 2026 averages. Prices vary depending on your choices, the SEK/EUR rate and availability.
02Budget by traveller profile: our detailed estimates
Backpacker budget: EUR 70-90/day/person
For adventurers on a tight budget, Stockholm remains accessible with a few strategic adjustments:
EUR 30-45/night in a hostel or dormitory.
EUR 20-30SEK 110-170).
EUR 6-117 days SEK 45072 h SEK 375 pro rata).
EUR 5-15/day (free/paid mix).
Ame Boheme Tip: several hostels have fully equipped kitchens — making your own breakfasts and one meal a day easily saves EUR 15-20. Supermarkets ICA, Coop and Hemkop offer good variety at reasonable prices.
The free museums on certain days of the week are a real bargain. The Moderna Museet opens its doors for free on Friday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm, while many galleries offer free-access time slots.
Mid-range budget: EUR 120-160/day/person
This bracket strikes a satisfying balance between comfort and discovery:
This budget unlocks the dagens lunch (daily lunch specials) served between 11 am and 2 pm in most restaurants. These set menus, typically priced between SEK 65 and 200, often include a starter buffet and coffee.
Staying in a 3-star hotel in Stockholm often rivals what you would get in a French 4-star in terms of amenities. The generous Nordic breakfasts more than make up for the higher prices.
Comfort budget: EUR 180-300/day/person
Travellers seeking premium experiences will discover Stockholm at its very best:
This budget range opens the door to Stockholm's Michelin-starred restaurants and authentic Nordic culinary experiences. Hotels in this category often feature spas and stunning views over the archipelago.
The premium experiences such as private archipelago cruises or Swedish whisky tastings become accessible, enriching the trip considerably.
03Transport in Stockholm: fares and tips 2026
SL public transport fares
The SL network (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik) efficiently covers the whole of Stockholm. Here are the updated 2026 fares:
Important: The SL Access card (SEK 20, about EUR 2) is mandatory for all travel passes except when using the mobile app. This blue contactless card is reusable for at least 5 years.
The reduced fares apply to under-20s and over-65s, with a discount of around 30%. Children under 7 travel free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
The system now accepts contactless payment directly with your bank card. A simple tap on SL readers activates a SEK 43 ticket valid for 75 minutes.
To get the most out of your journeys, download the SL app which offers paperless ticket purchases and real-time route planning. The app lets you skip the physical card altogether.
Several options connect Arlanda Airport to the city centre:
Arlanda Express: SEK 340 (EUR 32) — 18 minutes — 30% discount when booking online for 2 passengers
Flygbussarna bus: SEK 119 (EUR 10) — 45 minutes
SL public transport: SEK 67 (EUR 4.5) with connections — 65 minutes
Ame Boheme Tip: The Arlanda Express online discount for two travellers brings the unit price down to about EUR 22. This option remains competitive for couples who value speed and comfort.
04Accommodation: price ranges by category
Accommodation typically accounts for 35-40% of the total budget for a trip to Stockholm. Here are the 2026 price ranges by category:
Hostels: EUR 25-45/night
Mixed or single-gender dorms
Fully equipped shared kitchens
International atmosphere
Mid-range hotels (3-star): EUR 80-120/night
Comfortable rooms with private bathroom
Nordic breakfast often included
Central or well-connected location
Upscale hotels (4-5 star): EUR 150-300/night
Premium services and spa
Panoramic views over Stockholm
In-house fine dining restaurants
Practical tip: Prices drop dramatically between November and March. A 4-star hotel priced at EUR 250 in July can fall to EUR 120 in February, breakfast included.
To discover our carefully curated selection of tried-and-tested accommodation, check out our Stockholm accommodation page.
The early booking approach (2-3 months ahead) often secures preferential rates, especially for charming hotels in the old town.
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Stockholm's culinary scene deserves your attention, both for its quality and its range of prices:
Dagens lunch (daily special): EUR 8-18 served 11 am-2 pm
Casual meal: EUR 15-25 (brasseries, cafes)
Traditional restaurant dinner: EUR 25-45 per person
Fine dining restaurant: EUR 60-100+ per person
Local beer: EUR 6-8 in a restaurant
Coffee: EUR 3-4
The dagens lunch is one of the best food deals in Stockholm. These set menus typically include a main course, access to the salad buffet, bread, butter and coffee. A Nordic tradition that lets you taste the local cuisine without breaking the bank.
Important: Restaurants often close their kitchens around 9-10 pm on weekdays, even earlier on Sundays. Plan your dinners accordingly.
Our tips for eating on a budget
01Strategic supermarkets: ICA, Coop and Hemkop offer excellent local products
02Happy hours: many bars offer discounts 4-7 pm
03Covered markets: Ostermalms Saluhall for quality produce
04Food courts: shopping centres with affordable options
Ame Boheme Tip: Embrace the tradition of fika! This Swedish coffee-and-pastry break costs EUR 5-7 and makes a great light meal replacement. Swedes practice fika religiously around 3 pm.
Also discover our selection of outstanding restaurants in Stockholm for your foodie moments.
06Activities and attractions: making the most of your culture budget
Main attraction prices
Stockholm is brimming with world-class cultural attractions. Here are the 2026 admission prices:
The Stockholm Pass by Go City comes in several options:
1 day: SEK 999 (EUR 89)
2 days: SEK 1299 (EUR 116)
3 days: SEK 1549 (EUR 138)
5 days: SEK 2149 (EUR 192)
Concrete value calculation: For a 2-day stay including Vasa (EUR 20) + Royal Palace (EUR 19) + Skansen (EUR 23) + ABBA (EUR 22) + hop-on hop-off cruise (EUR 24) = approx. EUR 108 in separate tickets, slightly less than the 2-day pass (EUR 116). Add one more activity and the pass becomes worthwhile.
Important: The pass becomes worthwhile from 3 paid attractions per day. It includes hop-on hop-off buses and certain cruises, but NOT SL public transport.
Our detailed analysis of the Stockholm City Pass will help you decide whether it makes sense for your travel style.
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The season drastically influences prices in Stockholm:
Peak season (June-August)
Hotels: +30-40% compared to the yearly average
Attractions: full-price rates
Restaurants: peak crowds
Shoulder season (April-May, September-October)
Hotels: standard rates
Mild weather for sightseeing
Best price-to-conditions balance
Low season (November-March)
Hotels: 20-30% off regular rates
Attractions: prices unchanged
Unique winter experience
The months of February-March and November offer the best value for money, with acceptable weather conditions and attractive rates.
To plan your trip according to your preferences, explore our complete guide to destinations in Sweden.
08Our 10 insider tips to cut costs
01Book accommodation early: 2-3 months ahead for 15-25% savings
02Strategic free museums: Moderna Museet is free, plus other free time slots
03Local apps: SL app, Happy Hour Stockholm for real-time deals
04Budget-friendly archipelago tripsGrinda is affordable
05Airport duty-free shopping: Alcohol and perfumes 30-40% cheaper
06Residential areas for dining: Sodermalm away from tourist zones
07The "fake local" technique: Avoid restaurants with multilingual menus near attractions
08Free events: Summer festivals, concerts in public parks
09Alternative cultureArtipelag for accessible contemporary art
10Transport apps: Citymapper Stockholm, shared taxi rides
Ame Boheme Tip: Stockholmers picnic constantly in summer. Grab your provisions at ICA and join them in the many parks. A waterside lunch costs EUR 8-12 instead of EUR 25-35 at a restaurant.
09Total budget: concrete examples for 3, 5 and 7 days
3-day weekend
Tight budget (EUR 250/person)
Accommodation: EUR 100 (hostel, dorm)
Food: EUR 90 (groceries + 1 restaurant)
Transport: EUR 40 (passes + airport)
Activities: EUR 20 (free/paid mix)
Mid-range budget (EUR 450/person)
Accommodation: EUR 200 (3-star hotel)
Food: EUR 150 (restaurants + groceries)
Transport: EUR 60 (comfort + occasional taxis)
Activities: EUR 40 (2-3 attractions)
Comfort budget (EUR 700/person)
Accommodation: EUR 350 (boutique hotel)
Food: EUR 200 (culinary experiences)
Transport: EUR 100 (taxis + premium)
Activities: EUR 50 (exclusive experiences)
5-day stay (recommended)
This duration lets you explore Stockholm without rushing:
Day 1-2: Historic centre, Gamla Stan, central museums
Day 3: Djurgarden island, Skansen, Vasa
Day 4: Archipelago, relaxation, alternative neighbourhoods
Day 5: Shopping, last discoveries
Average 5-day budget: EUR 750-900/person including accommodation, food, transport and main attractions.
A full week
Seven days allow for in-depth exploration with day trips:
Extra days: Day trips to Sandhamn, surrounding castles, Nordic spa experiences.
Average 7-day budget: EUR 1,000-1,300/person including archipelago excursions.
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Your travel budget estimate
⚠ This estimate is based on averages and may vary depending on your specific choices, exact travel dates and price fluctuations.
10 Beyond Stockholm: budget for exploring the region
The Stockholm archipelago comprises over 30,000 islands and islets. The popular excursions
SL ferries: Included with transport passes (budget-friendly)
Tourist cruises: SEK 300-600 depending on duration
Guided day trips: SEK 500-1200 full day
The charming historic villages are well worth the detour: Sigtuna, Sweden's first capital, and Mariefred with its Gripsholm Castle.
These day trips add EUR 30-50/day to the budget but considerably enrich the Stockholm experience.
Allow EUR 70-100 per day on a tight budget (hostel, groceries, public transport, free activities), EUR 120-160 for mid-range (3-star hotel, restaurants, museums) and EUR 180-300 for a comfortable stay (4-5 star hotel, fine dining, premium experiences).
Not necessarily. Overall, Stockholm is roughly 5-10% cheaper than Paris. Accommodation is more affordable in the off-season, and dagens lunch menus offer excellent value. However, public transport and alcohol are more expensive than in France.
The low season (November to March) offers the best hotel rates, with drops of 20-30%. January-February and October tend to be the cheapest months. The ideal price-weather compromise falls in April-May or September-October.
The pass becomes worthwhile from 3-4 paid attractions per day. It covers access to over 60 attractions but does not include SL public transport. For a relaxed trip with 1-2 visits per day, individual tickets are often cheaper.
Yes. Stockholm is one of the most cashless cities in the world. Almost all shops, restaurants, transport and museums accept card or contactless payments. Carrying cash is not necessary.
11Conclusion: Stockholm is accessible with the right preparation
Stockholm is no longer the budget monster that used to scare travellers off. With smart planning and our tried-and-tested tips, the Swedish capital becomes perfectly accessible regardless of your budget.
The key points to remember
EUR 70-100/day/person.
EUR 120-150/day/person.
Off-season (November-March).
Often worth it from 3-4 attractions/day (depending on activity mix and promos).
Efficient but costly.
The Stockholm experience transcends budget considerations. This unique city-archipelago, where Scandinavian design meets Viking heritage, where innovation sits alongside tradition, is well worth the investment.
Our detailed guides to Swedish destinations will accompany you in planning this unforgettable Nordic adventure.
Stockholm is waiting for your footsteps on its medieval cobblestones and modern quaysides. Over to you!
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