Is Lulea expensive to visit?
In Lulea, budget travelers spend $91 (kr858) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $150 (kr1,419) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $245 (kr2,315) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Lulea.
Lulea is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
If you're not cautious, Lulea can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Lulea is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Saaremaa or Nantes.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lulea Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lulea?
The average Lulea trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lulea travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lulea cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Lulea, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
Lulea on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $91 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most tourists in Lulea are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $150 per person, per day.
In Lulea, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Clarion Hotel Sense is a fantastic option for families, and Best Western Plus Hotel Savoy is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Lulea here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $245 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Lulea
The cost of hotels in Lulea can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $86, but peak season () average prices jump to $160. Overall, prices range from $64 to $315. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lulea for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $127 (kr1,193). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $63 (kr596) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lulea? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lulea include:
- Clarion Hotel Sense starting at $75
- Best Western Plus Hotel Savoy starting at $96
- Elite Stadshotellet Lulea starting at $89
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Transportation Budget in Lulea
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $24 (kr229) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lulea. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lulea is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$24
kr229
Lulea does have an airport with frequent flights, so flying is the easiest, although most expensive way to reach the city. The city is also at the easternmost edge of the Swedish Rail System, and is easiest to reach by train if you are traveling from southern Sweden.
Once you arrive in town, then buses are really the best, and cheapest, way to travel around the city. You can expect to pay about 25 SEK for each individual trip, and if you're going to take more than four rides, it's worth it to purchase a three day tourist pass at the local tourist office. These passes give you unlimited rides for 100 SEK. There are night buses that travel on weekends between the hours of midnight and 3:00 am. These buses leave every hour from most of the local traffic bus stations and do cost more than the regular buses.
If you're driving, check for convenient parking at your hotel.
How much does it cost to go to Lulea? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lulea will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lulea
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Lulea can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lulea is $71 (kr665) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$71
kr665
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lulea is around $70 (kr665) per person, with previous travelers spending from $55 to $98. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lulea are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $21
- Lunch: $11 to $28
- Dinner: $21 to $49
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
There are a handful of good, budget food options. Many affordable restaurants cater to students and serve cheap but decent food. The Bishops Arms is a British Pub with relatively good food, friendly bartenders, and a good selection of beers. You'll find the pub connected to the Elite Hotel. The Corner Bar is a sports bar with good food. They have some of the best pizza you'll find in the city center but be prepared because they do get crowded during hockey games when the local team plays.
There are some good clubs and bars around town as well. Some are limited to those with student ids and their guests, particularly those on campus or near Lulea University of Technology.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lulea
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lulea typically cost an average of $18 (kr172) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
kr172
One of the main highlights of a trip to Lulea is to visit the Lulea archipelago. You can see this area on a tour bus during the summer months when the weather is most ideal. Do make sure you stop off at Klubbviken, which is on the island of Sandon. Here you'll find a good beach and a pleasant area to stretch your legs.
Also make sure you allow yourself time to explore Gammelstad, which is an old church village. The town is one of the best preserved examples of what was once a commonly found Scandinavian style of town. You'll find it about 10 kilometers upstream along the Lule River. The town's church dates back to 1492 and the area has national significance to the Swedes. The town itself is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The are many wood houses which were used on Sundays or during religious festivals for worshippers who traveled from the surrounding countryside and could not make the trip home in the same day.
There are some great clubs and bars around town including Club Cleo and STUK, both of which are quite popular as late night dance clubs. You'll find Club Cleo in the city center by the Quality Hotel, and STUK is on the university's campus, which can be reached by either bus 4, 5 or 8. You do need a student ID or a guest ticket to get into STUK. LTU students will sell you their guest tickets. If you're a guest at the Quality Hotel, you are able to get into Cleo for free until midnight. Alternatively, Grace Nightclub and Bar is a great option during the summer months and has an entrance fee of 80 kronor. You'll find it behind the Elite Stadshotellet.
Lulea
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.