THE COST OF TRAVELING SWEDEN

Sweden is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve visited, so much so that I even spent a summer there. However, it’s also one of the more expensive destinations in Europe, which is why many backpackers and budget travelers tend to skip it. If they do visit, they usually just stop by Stockholm for a couple of days before heading to cheaper locations.

That’s understandable, but it’s also a shame because Sweden has so much to offer. While it’s not the cheapest destination, there are plenty of ways to visit on a budget without sacrificing the experience.

In this post, I’ll break down my trip, what I spent, and share some practical tips to help you explore Sweden affordably. You’ll see it’s definitely possible to visit without breaking the bank—you just need to get a little creative.

How Much Did I Spend?

I spent 19 days in Sweden and my total costs came to 11,357 SEK (Swedish kronor), which is about $1,892.83 USD, or roughly $100 USD per day. The exchange rate at the time was about 6 SEK to 1 USD, but it’s closer to 10 SEK to 1 USD now.

Here’s a breakdown of my expenses:

• Accommodation: 2,320 SEK
• Food: 2,289 SEK
• Alcohol: 3,072 SEK
• Transportation: 1,898 SEK
• Attractions: 100 SEK
• Phone: 549 SEK
• Miscellaneous: 1,129 SEK

Total: 11,357 SEK

My costs were higher than expected, and there’s a simple reason for that: I went out a lot. My friends in Stockholm were kind enough to show me around, which meant I spent a lot on meals and drinks. For example, one beer typically costs 54 SEK (about $9 USD), so those nights out added up quickly. Most clubs also charge an entrance fee, which took up around 500 SEK of my alcohol budget.

While I did eat cheap on most days, I only cooked for myself three times during my trip. I could have saved a lot by cooking more, but friends often invited me to eat out.

That said, I was lucky to stay with friends for most of my trip. If I had paid for accommodation every night, my costs would have been much higher.

How Much Do You Need?

I spent $100 USD per day, but you can definitely do it cheaper. While Sweden is never going to be a super cheap destination, the current exchange rate makes it a bit easier to manage your budget.

To keep costs low, focus on free or inexpensive activities, like hiking in nature or taking free walking tours. Also, if you Couchsurf, camp, skip alcohol, and cook most of your meals, you can significantly lower your daily spending.

Here are some typical prices to help you plan:

• Hostel dorm: 200–300 SEK
• Camping & national parks: Free
• Casual restaurant meal: 125–250 SEK
• Cheap restaurant meal: 100–125 SEK
• Pizza: 105 SEK
• Hot dogs/sausages: 30–35 SEK
• Fast food combo: 100 SEK
• Beer: 75 SEK
• Bottled water: 25 SEK
• Stockholm transit: 42 SEK (165 SEK for a 24-hour pass)
• Gothenburg transit: 36 SEK (115 SEK for a 24-hour pass)
• Bike rentals: 300 SEK/day
• Ferry to Gotland: 285–485 SEK (one-way)
• Stockholm-Gothenburg train: 200–450 SEK (one-way)
• Museums: 100–300 SEK
• Liseberg Theme Park: 95 SEK (365 SEK for rollercoaster access)

For a budget backpacker, expect to spend around $80 USD per day for food, accommodation, transportation, and a few attractions. If you’re camping, skipping alcohol, or Couchsurfing, you could spend even less.

If you’re looking for a more comfortable experience (think private Airbnb, dining out more often, and enjoying a few drinks), plan for around $175 USD per day.

10 Budget Tips for Sweden

Here are some tips to help you stretch your budget while in Sweden:

1. Stick to Beer – Alcohol is heavily taxed, but beer is relatively affordable. If you drink beer, you’ll save a lot compared to buying cocktails or spirits. You can also buy alcohol from Systembolaget, the government-run store, for cheaper prices than bars.
2. Skip the Clubs – Most clubs charge a cover fee (around 200 SEK or more). Unless you really want the club experience, consider skipping them to save money.
3. Eat Out Less – Eating out is expensive in Sweden. If you do eat out, try casual spots like Thai, Middle Eastern, or pizza places. Portions are often big enough to make two meals out of one.
4. Refill Your Water – Tap water in Sweden is some of the cleanest in the world, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money on bottled water.
5. Book Transport in Advance – If you’re traveling by train or bus, book your tickets in advance to save 40–50%. Last-minute tickets can be much more expensive.
6. Buy a Rail Pass – If you plan on traveling a lot, consider purchasing a rail pass. It can save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying individual tickets.
7. Get a Stockholm Card – This card gives you access to public transportation and free entry to over 60 attractions in Stockholm. If you plan to see a lot, it’s worth the investment.
8. Use a Metro Card – If you’re not getting the Stockholm Card, buy a metro pass. It’s much cheaper than buying individual tickets.
9. Avoid Taxis – Taxis are expensive in Sweden, and public transportation is excellent. Avoiding taxis will help you stay on budget.
10. Embrace the Outdoors – Sweden has beautiful nature, and hiking or camping is often free, thanks to the country’s Freedom to Roam laws. If you’re into outdoor activities, you can save on accommodation by camping.

In summary, Sweden might not be the cheapest country to visit, but with a bit of planning and flexibility, it’s definitely possible to explore the country without overspending. From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities, there’s so much to enjoy, so don’t let the cost hold you back!