Navigating Europe on a backpacker budget requires careful planning, especially when considering vibrant but often pricey cities like London and Stockholm. As a fair and balanced travel writer, I’ll help you compare these two exciting destinations to make an informed choice.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Both London and Stockholm are recognized as among Europe’s more expensive cities for travelers. While backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, you should anticipate a higher daily outlay for both destinations. An estimated daily budget for a backpacker in Stockholm might range from €55-90, covering hostel accommodation, budget meals, and public transport. In London, this estimate rises slightly, generally ranging from €60-100 or more per day. Therefore, Stockholm might offer a marginally lower daily budget for the most frugal traveler.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Accommodation will likely be your largest expense. While hostels in many European cities can range from €15-30/night, both London and Stockholm typically exceed this. London hostel dorm beds can realistically range from €30-60+ per night, especially in central locations or during peak season. Stockholm hostel dorms are often slightly less, with estimated prices ranging from €25-50+ per night. Prices in both cities are highly dependent on location, time of year (spring and fall often offer lower prices than summer), and booking in advance.
What About Food and Drink Expenses?
Budgeting for food in both cities requires diligence. While meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in many European cities, London and Stockholm often have higher sit-down dining prices. In London, budget-friendly options like supermarket meals, street food, and cheap eats can keep your daily food costs around €15-25. Restaurant main courses generally start from €15-20+. Stockholm also offers supermarkets and lunch deals (Dagens Rätt) to save money, with budget food estimated at €18-30+ per day. Restaurant mains typically begin around €20-25+. For truly minimal spending, preparing meals from supermarkets in both cities is key.
How Do Transportation Costs Differ?
Public transportation in both cities is efficient but can add up. General European daily transport costs are around €5-10. In London, using an Oyster card or contactless payment for zones 1-2 often incurs a daily cap, estimated to be around €8-15, making single journeys less economical. Stockholm’s public transport system (SL) offers 24-hour passes, which typically cost around €10-15. Both cities offer extensive networks, and walking remains the cheapest way to explore many areas.
Which City Offers More Free Activities?
When it comes to free attractions, London generally has the edge. Many of its world-class museums and galleries, such as the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, and Victoria and Albert Museum, offer free entry to their permanent collections. London also boasts numerous free parks and markets. Stockholm, while offering beautiful free-to-explore areas like Gamla Stan (Old Town), various islands, and green spaces, has fewer major indoor attractions with free entry. Both cities provide excellent opportunities for free walking tours and exploring vibrant neighborhoods. For finding free amenities in any city, tools like AllInMap can be helpful.
