As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is Sweden: a mid-range day costs about $161 there, against $173 in the other (Netherlands), a gap of 7.9%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is Sweden (+8.1% after inflation, against +5.1%). Both sit at US advisory Level 2.
| Measure | Netherlands | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $173 | $161 |
| Lean day | $82 | $78 |
| Comfortable day | $377 | $341 |
| Real change, 12 months | +5.1% | +8.1% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +4.5% | +5.5% |
| Versus 5-year average | −0.9% | +2.2% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.9 · Effortless | 4.9 · Effortless |
| Index score | 53 | 57 |
| Best months | Apr, May, Jun, Sep | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Shoulder months | Mar, Oct | May, Sep |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
A small, flat, superbly run country with the most expensive beds in mainland Europe.
The catchAmsterdam hotel rates and tourist taxes are among the highest in Europe. Staying in Utrecht, Haarlem or Rotterdam cuts the bill sharply.
A weak krona has quietly made Scandinavia's largest country its most affordable.
The catchAlcohol and restaurant meals remain expensive, and almost nowhere takes cash. Winter days are very short.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.