When planning a backpacking adventure, budget is often a primary concern. Here’s a balanced comparison of Stockholm and Turin to help you decide.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?

Turin, Italy, is generally a more budget-friendly destination for backpackers compared to Stockholm, Sweden. While backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, Stockholm often exceeds this.

Estimated Daily Budget Breakdown:

• Turin (Estimated): €33-54 per day
  • Accommodation (hostel dorm bed): €18-28 per night
  • Food (budget meals/groceries): €10-18 per day
  • Local Transport: €5-8 per day
• Stockholm (Estimated): €48-77 per day
  • Accommodation (hostel dorm bed): €25-40 per night (often at the higher end of or exceeding the typical €15-30 European backpacker range)
  • Food (budget meals/groceries): €15-25 per day
  • Local Transport: €8-15 per day

How Do Food Costs Compare for Backpackers?

Turin offers significantly more affordable food options. You can find cheap eats like pizza al taglio, paninis, and market produce for €3-7. Meals at local, budget-friendly restaurants typically cost €8-15. Backpackers can budget €10-18 per day for food by utilizing supermarkets and street food.

Stockholm’s food prices are notably higher. Even budget-friendly options like supermarket meals or street food typically start from €8-15. A sit-down budget meal can easily cost €15-25 or more. Backpackers should budget €15-25 per day for food, with cooking at hostels being a major cost-saving strategy.

What Are Accommodation Costs Like?

For a dorm bed in a hostel, Turin generally falls within the more typical European backpacker range of €18-28 per night. Prices can fluctuate based on season and booking in advance.

Stockholm’s hostel prices are among the highest in Europe. A dorm bed will typically cost €25-40 per night, often exceeding the general €15-30 range found in many other European cities. Booking well in advance is highly recommended to secure better rates.

How Do Transport Costs Differ?

Turin’s public transport (bus, tram, metro) is quite affordable. A single ticket costs around €1.70, and a 24-hour ticket is typically €4. Backpackers can expect to spend €5-8 per day on local transport, depending on usage.

Stockholm’s public transport (SL system covering metro, bus, tram) is more expensive. A single ticket costs around €3.70, and a 24-hour pass is approximately €15.50 (175 SEK). Backpackers should budget €8-15 per day, considering that walking and multi-day passes can help manage costs.

When is the Best Time to Visit for Budget Travel?

For both cities, visiting during the shoulder seasons—spring (April-May) and fall (September-October)—typically offers a balance of pleasant weather and lower prices than the peak summer months (June-August). Accommodation and flight costs tend to be higher during summer.

Are There Free Activities in Both Cities?

Both Stockholm and Turin provide a wealth of free activities. You can explore city parks, enjoy walking tours, visit free museums on specific days, and wander through historic neighborhoods. For finding free amenities like public restrooms, Wi-Fi hotspots, and water fountains, resources like AllInMap can be very helpful in both destinations.