Is Stockholm expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes: Stockholm is one of Europe's more expensive capitals, similar to Copenhagen and Oslo and pricier than Berlin or Amsterdam for eating out and alcohol. A budget traveller needs about 1,110 SEK (roughly €100) a day, mid-range about 2,300 SEK and comfort about 4,900 SEK per person. Rooms and dinners take most of the money; weekday set lunches are the big saving.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | SEK500 | SEK1,100 | SEK2,500 |
| Food & drink | SEK350 | SEK650 | SEK1,300 |
| Sights & tickets | SEK200 | SEK450 | SEK800 |
| Local transport | SEK60 | SEK100 | SEK300 |
| Per person, per day | SEK1,110 | SEK2,300 | SEK4,900 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Stockholm day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) | roughly 35–55 SEK |
| Coffee | 35–50 SEK |
| Dagens lunch (weekday set lunch) | 120–150 SEK |
| Hot dog or tunnbrödsrulle from a kiosk | roughly 40–90 SEK |
| Meatballs in a restaurant | roughly 180–280 SEK |
| Vasa Museum | about 220 SEK |
| Skansen | about 200–300 SEK depending on season |
| Mid-range double in Norrmalm | 1,700–2,800 SEK |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest cost, from 1,000–1,600 SEK in Södermalm or hostels near T-Centralen to 3,500–7,000 SEK in Östermalm and on Strandvägen. Dinner is much more expensive than lunch, and alcohol is heavily taxed and sold in shops only at Systembolaget. Museums such as Vasa, Skansen and ABBA The Museum cost 200–300 SEK each, but public transport, including the Djurgården ferry, is good value.
When it is cheaper
Hotels are often cheaper in July, when business travel stops, and at weekends; winter outside December is also quieter. Prices do not swing as sharply as in beach destinations.
How to spend less
- Eat your main meal at a weekday dagens lunch, which usually includes salad, bread and coffee.
- Ask for kranvatten (tap water): it is excellent and often free.
- Use the SL Djurgården ferry and tram 7 for harbour views at bus-ticket prices.
- See the metro station art with an ordinary ticket.
- Compare the Stockholm Pass with single tickets for your actual plan.
- Choose to pay in SEK, never your home currency, on card terminals.
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Common questions
Is Stockholm expensive?
Yes. About 1,110 SEK (roughly €100) a day on a budget and 2,300 SEK mid-range per person.
How much is the Vasa Museum?
About 220 SEK; go at opening and allow 1.5–2 hours.
Is the Stockholm Pass worth it?
It can pay off over two or three busy days with the Vasa, Skansen, ABBA The Museum and a boat tour. Compare with single tickets.