For backpackers weighing their options between ancient history and modern design, Athens and Stockholm offer vastly different experiences, particularly concerning your daily budget. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you choose.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Athens is significantly more budget-friendly. Backpackers can realistically expect to spend €35-55 per day for accommodation, food, and transport, excluding major attractions. Stockholm, by contrast, is one of Europe’s more expensive cities, with an estimated daily budget typically ranging from €65-100+ for similar basic expenses.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Hostel dorm beds in Athens typically range from €18-30 per night. In Stockholm, expect hostel prices to be considerably higher, usually between €35-55 per night, and potentially more during peak season or for highly-rated establishments.
What Are Typical Food and Drink Prices?
A daily food budget for a backpacker in Athens might be around €15-25. You can find affordable meals like gyros or souvlaki for €3-5, while a sit-down meal at a local taverna typically costs €8-15. Groceries are also relatively inexpensive.
In Stockholm, a daily food budget is likely to be €25-45. Even casual restaurant meals can start from €15-25, making groceries a more budget-conscious choice. A coffee can easily be €4-6.
How Much Does Public Transportation Cost?
A daily transport budget for Athens is typically €5-8, with single tickets around €1.20-1.40 and daily passes available for around €4.50.
For Stockholm, expect to budget €8-15 per day for public transport. Single tickets are approximately SEK 39 (roughly €3.50-4.00), and a 24-hour pass costs about SEK 165 (approximately €14-15).
Which City Offers More Free or Low-Cost Activities?
Athens provides numerous free or low-cost cultural experiences, from wandering the historic Plaka district and Monastiraki Square to exploring the National Garden. While the Acropolis has an entry fee (around €20-30), many ancient ruins can be viewed from the outside for free.
Stockholm also offers free walking tours and beautiful parks like Djurgården. Many museums have entry fees (e.g., Vasa Museum around SEK 190, or €17), though some smaller galleries may be free or have specific free days. Both cities benefit from tools like AllInMap, which can help travelers locate free amenities such as Wi-Fi, water fountains, and public restrooms.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Seasonally?
For both cities, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) typically offer the most pleasant weather and often lower prices or fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Summers in Athens can be very hot, while Stockholm’s summers are mild and popular, driving up prices. Winters in Stockholm are cold and dark but can be beautiful, while Athens experiences milder, wetter winters.
